MC Oluomo elected as NURTW president – Premium Times Nigeria

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

In an advancement that has sparked both event and concern across Nigeria’s transport sector, Musiliu Akinsanya, widely called MC Oluomo, has actually become 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 road in Osun State, marks a significant milestone in the questionable figure’s profession trajectory while raising serious concerns about the intersection of transportation unions and political power in Nigeria.

The Rise to Power

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

The process was monitored 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 also resulted in the consultation of Tajudeen Agbede as Vice President of South-West and Akeem Adeosun as trustee from the zone.

In his approval speech, MC Oluomo called for unity within the union, mentioning, “I have actually forgiven everyone who angered me, and I want those I angered would forgive me too. This is our union, and we need to be committed to its preservation. We will not permit anyone to ruin our methods of livelihood.”

A Controversial Past

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

Claims of violence, political intimidation, and the weaponization of transport union structures for political purposes marked his tenure as the chairman of the Lagos State chapter of NURTW.

Most significantly, throughout the 2023 general elections, MC Oluomo gained national attention for his controversial function in election-related violence and voter intimidation.

He was captured on video making threats against Igbo citizens in Lagos State, cautioning them to either elect the judgment All Progressives Congress (APC) or remain at home. While he later declared the statement was a joke made to a friend nicknamed “Iya Chukwudi,” the incident resulted in widespread condemnation and calls for his arrest.

The after-effects of his dangers emerged in election day violence, where political goons presumably conducted civil-war-era-style “eye tests” to determine Igbo citizens, preventing many from exercising their democratic rights. These actions resulted in the production of a petition requiring worldwide travel bans versus him, mentioning his function in inciting ethnic violence.

Opposition and Concerns

The Concerned Transporters in South West of Nigeria, a group of transport 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 mentioned his questionable management design and declared use of union resources for personal gain as substantial issues.

The group specified, “MC Oluomo’s leadership design is inappropriate. He used union resources for personal gain, overlooking members’ welfare.” They likewise raised concerns about his capability to efficiently lead the national body, indicating his history of conflicts with previous leaders and his controversial management style.

The NURTW’s Evolution

The NURTW, formed in 1978 as a follower to the Nigerian Road Transport Union, has progressed from a simple trade union into a powerful political force. With nearly 2 million members, the union has actually ended up being deeply embedded in Nigeria’s political landscape, typically functioning as a vital grassroots mobilization tool for politicians.

The union’s structure, which extends from significant cities to remote areas, has actually made it an appealing partner for political actors looking for to develop control over regional neighborhoods. This has actually resulted in transforming what was originally a transportation employees’ union into what some critics refer to as an advanced network for political mobilization and, often, intimidation.

Political Influence and Violence

MC Oluomo’s increase exemplifies the complex relationship between transport unions and political power in Nigeria. As recorded in various reports, he has actually been instrumental in the Southwest’s political campaigns and mobilization efforts, consisting of significant involvement in the 2018 Osun State governorship election and subsequent political contests.

His methods of operation have typically been criticized for blurring the lines in between genuine union activities and political thuggery. Throughout the 2023 elections, his company was implicated of interrupting polling units and frightening voters, particularly those perceived to be opposition advocates.

Legal Challenges and Institutional Response

The questionable nature of MC Oluomo’s management has actually caused numerous legal challenges. Notable amongst these was a court order during the 2023 elections that avoided INEC from engaging his services to distribute election materials in Lagos State, highlighting concerns about the politicization of important electoral procedures.

Future Implications

As MC Oluomo assumes the nationwide leadership of the NURTW, questions stay about the union’s future direction and role in Nigeria’s political landscape.

While his supporters commemorate his capability to keep order and structure within the transportation sector, critics fret about the prospective across the country growth of what they see as a hazardous fusion of transportation union power and political impact.

The visit also raises broader concerns about the need for reform within Nigeria’s transportation union structure and the relationship in between labour unions and political power.

As the country continues to face issues of democratic combination and ethnic harmony, the function of prominent union leaders like MC Oluomo will likely remain a subject of intense debate and analysis.

This advancement functions as a critical moment for reflection on the state of Nigeria’s democratic organizations and the impact of non-state stars in the nation’s political processes.

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