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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 actually sparked both event and issue throughout Nigeria’s transport sector, Musiliu Akinsanya, widely referred to as 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 occurred at the Union’s Zonal Secretariat along the Osogbo/Ikirun road in Osun State, marks a substantial turning point in the controversial 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 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 also resulted in 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, specifying, “I have actually forgiven everyone who upset me, and I wish those I offended would forgive me also. This is our union, and we should be committed to its preservation. We will not permit anyone to destroy our means of income.”

A Controversial Past

However, MC Oluomo’s ascension to the national presidency includes substantial baggage and controversy.

Accusations 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 basic elections, MC Oluomo gained national attention for his questionable function in election-related violence and voter intimidation.

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

The consequences of his dangers emerged in election day violence, where political thugs supposedly carried out civil-war-era-style “eye tests” to recognize Igbo voters, avoiding many from exercising their democratic rights. These actions led to the development of a petition requiring worldwide travel restrictions against him, mentioning his role in prompting ethnic violence.

Opposition and Concerns

The Concerned Transporters in South West of Nigeria, a group of transport workers, 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 doubtful management design and alleged use of union resources for individual gain as significant concerns.

The group specified, “MC Oluomo’s management style is undesirable. He utilized union resources for personal gain, overlooking members’ welfare.” They likewise raised issues about his ability to effectively lead the national body, pointing to his history of conflicts with previous leaders and his controversial management style.

The NURTW’s Evolution

The NURTW, formed in 1978 as a successor to the Nigerian Road Transport Union, has progressed from an easy trade union into a powerful political force. With nearly 2 million members, the union has actually become deeply embedded in Nigeria’s political landscape, typically acting as an important grassroots mobilization tool for political leaders.

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

Political Influence and Violence

MC Oluomo’s rise exemplifies the complex relationship in between transport unions and political power in Nigeria. As documented in numerous reports, he has actually been instrumental in the Southwest’s political campaigns and mobilization efforts, including notable involvement in the 2018 Osun State governorship election and subsequent political contests.

His methods of operation have actually frequently been slammed for blurring the lines in between genuine union activities and political thuggery. During the 2023 elections, his company was accused of interfering with ballot systems and intimidating citizens, particularly those perceived to be opposition supporters.

Legal Challenges and Institutional Response

The questionable nature of MC Oluomo’s leadership has actually caused numerous legal difficulties. Noteworthy among these was a court order during the 2023 elections that avoided INEC from engaging his services to distribute election products in Lagos State, highlighting concerns about the politicization of vital electoral processes.

Future Implications

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

While his supporters celebrate his ability to preserve order and structure within the transport sector, critics fret about the prospective across the country expansion of what they view as a dangerous blend of transport union power and political influence.

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

As the country continues to grapple with concerns of democratic debt consolidation and ethnic consistency, the function of influential union leaders like MC Oluomo will likely remain a topic of intense debate and analysis.

This development works as a defining moment for reflection on the state of Nigeria’s democratic institutions and the impact of non-state stars in the nation’s political procedures.

As MC Oluomo begins his tenure as National President, his actions will be carefully seen by advocates and critics alike, with substantial implications for the transport sector and Nigeria’s more comprehensive political landscape.