MC Oluomo emerges NURTW President – Leadership Newspaper

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

In an advancement that has actually triggered both celebration and issue throughout Nigeria’s transportation sector, Musiliu Akinsanya, popularly known as MC Oluomo, has become the National President of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) following an agreement 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 substantial milestone in the controversial figure’s profession trajectory while raising severe questions about the crossway 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 procedure 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 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 called for unity within the union, mentioning, “I have forgiven everybody who upset me, and I want those I angered 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

However, MC Oluomo’s ascension to the nationwide presidency includes substantial baggage and debate.

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

Most especially, throughout the 2023 general elections, MC Oluomo got national attention for his controversial role in election-related violence and voter intimidation.

He was caught on video making threats against Igbo citizens in Lagos State, cautioning 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 event led to widespread condemnation and calls for his arrest.

The aftermath of his threats materialized in election day violence, where political thugs supposedly conducted civil-war-era-style “eye tests” to identify Igbo citizens, avoiding lots of from exercising their democratic rights. These actions resulted in the production of a petition requiring global travel bans versus him, mentioning his function in prompting ethnic violence.

Opposition and Concerns

The Concerned Transporters in South West of Nigeria, a group of transport employees, has actually emphatically 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 alleged use of union resources for personal gain as considerable issues.

The group stated, “MC Oluomo’s management style is inappropriate. He utilized union resources for personal gain, disregarding members’ welfare.” They likewise raised issues about his capability to successfully lead the national 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 follower to the Nigerian Road Transport Union, has progressed from a simple trade union into a powerful political force. With almost 2 million members, the union has become deeply embedded in Nigeria’s political landscape, often serving as an essential grassroots mobilization tool for politicians.

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

Political Influence and Violence

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

His methods of operation have typically been slammed for blurring the lines between legitimate union activities and political thuggery. During the 2023 elections, his company was accused of interfering with ballot units and daunting voters, especially those viewed to be opposition advocates.

Legal Challenges and Institutional Response

The questionable nature of MC Oluomo’s leadership has resulted in numerous legal obstacles. Notable among these was a court order throughout the 2023 elections that prevented INEC from engaging his services to disperse election products in Lagos State, highlighting concerns about the politicization of necessary electoral procedures.

Future Implications

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

While his fans celebrate his ability to keep order and structure within the transportation sector, critics stress over the prospective across the country expansion of what they view as a hazardous blend of transportation union power and political influence.

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

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

This development serves 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 tenure as National President, his actions will be carefully viewed by supporters and critics alike, with considerable implications for the transportation sector and Nigeria’s broader political landscape.