MC Oluomo elected NURTW national president – Blueprint Newspapers Limited

MC Oluomo’s Controversial Rise: From Transport Union Leader to National NURTW President

In a development that has sparked both celebration and concern throughout Nigeria’s transportation sector, Musiliu Akinsanya, popularly known as MC Oluomo, has emerged as the National President of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) following a consensus election by union stakeholders and delegates.

The election, which took place at the Union’s Zonal Secretariat along the Osogbo/Ikirun roadway in Osun State, marks a substantial milestone in the questionable figure’s career trajectory while raising major questions about the crossway of transport unions and political power in Nigeria.

The Rise to Power

Delegates from 4 South-West states– Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, and Ekiti– took part in the election, which saw MC Oluomo as the sole candidate.

The process was supervised by the acting National President of the union, Aliyu Issa-Ore, represented by Mrs. Adedamola Salam, Head of Finance from the National Headquarters in Abuja.

The election likewise led to the appointment of Tajudeen Agbede as Vice President of South-West and Akeem Adeosun as trustee from the zone.

In his approval speech, MC Oluomo required unity within the union, specifying, “I have forgiven everyone who offended me, and I want those I angered would forgive me too. This is our union, and we should be devoted to its preservation. We will not permit anybody to damage our means of livelihood.”

A Controversial Past

However, MC Oluomo’s ascension to the nationwide presidency features substantial baggage and controversy.

Allegations of violence, political intimidation, and the weaponization of transport union structures for political functions marked his period as the chairman of the Lagos State chapter of NURTW.

Most especially, during the 2023 general elections, MC Oluomo acquired nationwide attention for his controversial role in election-related violence and citizen intimidation.

He was captured on video making threats versus Igbo voters in Lagos State, cautioning them to either choose the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) or remain at home. While he later declared the declaration was a joke made to a friend nicknamed “Iya Chukwudi,” the occurrence led to prevalent condemnation and requires his arrest.

The after-effects of his risks materialized in election day violence, where political goons allegedly performed civil-war-era-style “eye tests” to identify Igbo citizens, avoiding numerous from exercising their democratic rights. These actions caused the production of a petition calling for global travel bans versus him, citing his role in inciting ethnic violence.

Opposition and Concerns

The Concerned Transporters in South West of Nigeria, a group of transportation workers, has actually vehemently opposed MC Oluomo‘s rise to power. In a communique signed by Comrade Taiwo Ariyo and Alhaji Ahmed Ibrahim, the group cited his doubtful leadership style and declared use of union resources for individual gain as significant issues.

The group mentioned, “MC Oluomo’s management design is undesirable. He used union resources for personal gain, overlooking members’ well-being.” They also raised concerns about his ability to successfully lead the national body, indicating his history of conflicts with previous leaders and his questionable management style.

The NURTW’s Evolution

The NURTW, formed in 1978 as a follower to the Nigerian Road Transport Union, has actually evolved from a simple trade union into an effective political force. With almost 2 million members, the union has become deeply embedded in Nigeria’s political landscape, frequently working as an important grassroots mobilization tool for politicians.

The union’s structure, which extends from significant cities to remote areas, has made it an appealing partner for political actors seeking to develop control over local communities. This has actually caused changing what was initially a transportation workers’ union into what some critics refer to as a sophisticated network for political mobilization and, sometimes, intimidation.

Political Influence and Violence

MC Oluomo’s rise exemplifies the complex relationship between transportation unions and political power in Nigeria. As recorded in different reports, he has been instrumental in the Southwest’s political campaigns and mobilization efforts, consisting of noteworthy participation in the 2018 Osun State governorship election and subsequent political contests.

His methods of operation have often been slammed for blurring the lines in between legitimate union activities and political thuggery. Throughout the 2023 elections, his organization was accused of interrupting polling units and intimidating voters, particularly those viewed to be opposition supporters.

Legal Challenges and Institutional Response

The questionable nature of MC Oluomo’s management has led to different legal challenges. Notable among these was a court order during the 2023 elections that prevented INEC from engaging his services to disperse election materials in Lagos State, highlighting issues about the politicization of essential electoral procedures.

Future Implications

As MC Oluomo assumes the national leadership of the NURTW, concerns stay about the union’s future instructions and role in Nigeria’s political landscape.

While his supporters commemorate his capability to preserve order and structure within the transport sector, critics worry about the potential across the country growth of what they see as a hazardous combination of transportation union power and political impact.

The appointment likewise raises more comprehensive questions about the need for reform within Nigeria’s transport union structure and the relationship in between labour unions and political power.

As the country continues to come to grips with problems of democratic consolidation and ethnic consistency, the role of prominent union leaders like MC Oluomo will likely remain a subject of extreme dispute and examination.

This advancement works as a critical moment for reflection on the state of Nigeria’s democratic institutions and the influence of non-state actors in the country’s political processes.

As MC Oluomo begins his period as National President, his actions will be closely watched by supporters and critics alike, with considerable implications for the transportation sector and Nigeria’s more comprehensive political landscape.