MC Oluomo emerges NURTW national president – Nairaland

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

In a development that has actually triggered both event and concern across Nigeria’s transportation sector, Musiliu Ayinde Akinsanya Akinsanya, commonly called MC Oluomo, has emerged as the National President of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) following an agreement election by union stakeholders and delegates.

The election, which occurred at the Union’s Zonal Secretariat along the Osogbo/Ikirun roadway in Osun State, marks a considerable turning point in the controversial figure’s career trajectory while raising serious concerns about the intersection of transport unions and political power in Nigeria.

The Rise to Power

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

The procedure 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 also led to the visit 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, stating, “I have forgiven everybody who upset me, and I want those I offended would forgive me as well. This is our union, and we must be dedicated to its conservation. We will not enable anyone to ruin our ways of income.”

A Controversial Past

Nevertheless, MC Oluomo’s ascension to the national presidency includes considerable luggage and debate.

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

Most notably, throughout the 2023 basic elections, MC Oluomo got nationwide attention for his questionable function in election-related violence and citizen intimidation.

He was caught on video making threats versus Igbo voters in Lagos State, warning them to either elect the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) or stay at home. While he later declared the statement was a joke made to a buddy nicknamed “Iya Chukwudi,” the occurrence caused extensive condemnation and requires his arrest.

The consequences of his hazards emerged in election day violence, where political criminals allegedly conducted civil-war-era-style “eye tests” to recognize Igbo citizens, avoiding lots of from exercising their democratic rights. These actions led to 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 employees, has emphatically opposed MC Oluomo’s rise to power. In a communique signed by Comrade Taiwo Ariyo and Alhaji Ahmed Ibrahim, the group mentioned his questionable leadership style and alleged use of union resources for personal gain as substantial concerns.

The group stated, “MC Oluomo’s leadership style is unacceptable. He used union resources for personal gain, disregarding members’ welfare.” They likewise raised issues about his capability to efficiently lead the nationwide body, pointing to his history of conflicts with previous leaders and his questionable management design.

The NURTW’s Evolution

The NURTW, formed in 1978 as a successor to the Nigerian Road Transport Union, has actually progressed from a basic trade union into an effective political force. With almost 2 million members, the union has actually ended up being deeply embedded in Nigeria’s political landscape, often functioning as a crucial grassroots mobilization tool for politicians.

The union’s structure, which extends from major cities to remote locations, has actually made it an appealing partner for political stars looking for to develop control over regional communities. This has actually resulted in transforming what was initially a transportation employees’ union into what some critics refer to as a sophisticated network for political mobilization and, in some cases, intimidation.

Political Influence and Violence

MC Oluomo’s rise exemplifies the complex relationship between transportation unions and political power in Nigeria. As recorded in numerous reports, he has contributed 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 actually typically been slammed for blurring the lines between legitimate union activities and political thuggery. During the 2023 elections, his company was accused of interrupting polling units and daunting voters, especially those perceived to be opposition fans.

Legal Challenges and Institutional Response

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

Future Implications

As MC Oluomo presumes the nationwide management of the NURTW, concerns stay about the union’s future instructions and role in Nigeria’s political landscape.

While his fans celebrate his capability to keep order and structure within the transportation sector, critics stress over the prospective nationwide expansion of what they see as a dangerous fusion of transportation union power and political impact.

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

As the nation continues to grapple with concerns of democratic debt consolidation and ethnic consistency, the role of influential union leaders like MC Oluomo will likely stay a topic of extreme debate and scrutiny.

This development acts as a critical moment for reflection on the state of Nigeria’s democratic institutions and the impact of non-state actors in the country’s political procedures.

As MC Oluomo begins his period as National President, his actions will be closely seen by supporters and critics alike, with considerable ramifications for the transport sector and Nigeria’s wider political landscape.