MC Oluomo elected as NURTW president – Peoples Gazette Nigeria

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

In an advancement that has triggered both event and concern across Nigeria’s transport sector, Musiliu Akinsanya, widely known as MC Oluomo, has actually 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 occurred at the Union’s Zonal Secretariat along the Osogbo/Ikirun road in Osun State, marks a considerable turning point in the questionable figure’s career trajectory while raising major questions 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 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 likewise resulted in the consultation of Tajudeen Agbede as Vice President of South-West and Akeem Adeosun as trustee from the zone.

In his acceptance speech, MC Oluomo called for unity within the union, mentioning, “I have actually forgiven everybody who upset me, and I want those I upset would forgive me as well. This is our union, and we should be dedicated to its conservation. We will not permit anybody to destroy our ways of income.”

A Controversial Past

However, MC Oluomo’s ascension to the national presidency features significant baggage and debate.

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 gained national attention for his controversial role in election-related violence and voter intimidation.

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

The after-effects of his risks materialized in election day violence, where political goons presumably carried out civil-war-era-style “eye tests” to determine Igbo citizens, preventing many from exercising their democratic rights. These actions led to the production of a petition requiring worldwide travel restrictions against him, mentioning his function in prompting 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 doubtful management style and declared use of union resources for individual gain as considerable issues.

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

The NURTW’s Evolution

The NURTW, formed in 1978 as a successor to the Nigerian Road Transport Union, has actually evolved from a basic trade union into a powerful political force. With nearly 2 million members, the union has ended up being deeply embedded in Nigeria’s political landscape, frequently serving as an essential grassroots mobilization tool for politicians.

The union’s structure, which extends from major cities to remote areas, has actually made it an appealing partner for political actors looking for to establish control over regional communities. This has resulted in changing what was initially a transportation employees’ union into what some critics describe as an advanced network for political mobilization and, in some cases, intimidation.

Political Influence and Violence

MC Oluomo’s increase exhibits the complex relationship in between transport 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 notable 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 ballot units and intimidating citizens, particularly those perceived to be opposition advocates.

Legal Challenges and Institutional Response

The questionable nature of MC Oluomo’s management has actually resulted in numerous legal obstacles. Significant amongst these was a court order during the 2023 elections that prevented INEC from engaging his services to distribute election materials in Lagos State, highlighting issues about the politicization of vital electoral processes.

Future Implications

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

While his advocates commemorate his capability to keep order and structure within the transportation sector, critics fret about the potential nationwide expansion of what they view as a dangerous combination 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 in between labour unions and political power.

As the nation continues to face concerns of democratic consolidation and ethnic consistency, the function of influential union leaders like MC Oluomo will likely stay a topic of intense debate and scrutiny.

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

As MC Oluomo begins his tenure as National President, his actions will be closely enjoyed by supporters and critics alike, with significant implications for the transportation sector and Nigeria’s wider political landscape.