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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 triggered both celebration and issue throughout Nigeria’s transportation 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 took place at the Union’s Zonal Secretariat along the Osogbo/Ikirun roadway in Osun State, marks a substantial milestone in the questionable figure’s career trajectory while raising major questions about the crossway of transport unions and political power in Nigeria.

The Rise to Power

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

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 led to 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 required unity within the union, specifying, “I have forgiven everybody who angered me, and I want those I offended would forgive me also. This is our union, and we must be devoted to its conservation. We will not permit anyone to ruin our methods of livelihood.”

A Controversial Past

However, MC Oluomo‘s ascension to the national presidency includes considerable luggage and debate.

Accusations 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, during the 2023 general elections, MC Oluomo acquired national attention for his controversial role in election-related violence and citizen intimidation.

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

The aftermath of his threats materialized in election day violence, where political hooligans supposedly carried out civil-war-era-style “eye tests” to recognize Igbo voters, avoiding many from exercising their democratic rights. These actions caused the production of a petition requiring global travel restrictions versus him, citing his function 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 cited his doubtful leadership design and alleged use of union resources for personal gain as substantial issues.

The group mentioned, “MC Oluomo’s management design is inappropriate. He used union resources for personal gain, overlooking members’ welfare.” They also raised issues about his capability to effectively lead the nationwide body, indicating his history of conflicts with previous leaders and his questionable management style.

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 become deeply embedded in Nigeria’s political landscape, typically working as an essential grassroots mobilization tool for political leaders.

The union’s structure, which extends from major cities to remote locations, has made it an appealing partner for political actors seeking to develop control over local communities. This has actually caused transforming what was originally a transport workers’ union into what some critics describe as an advanced network for political mobilization and, often, intimidation.

Political Influence and Violence

MC Oluomo’s increase exemplifies the complex relationship in between transportation unions and political power in Nigeria. As recorded in numerous reports, he has actually contributed 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 actually frequently been criticized for blurring the lines in between legitimate union activities and political thuggery. Throughout the 2023 elections, his organization was accused of disrupting ballot units and daunting voters, particularly those viewed to be opposition supporters.

Legal Challenges and Institutional Response

The questionable nature of MC Oluomo’s leadership has led to different legal obstacles. Notable amongst these was a court order throughout the 2023 elections that prevented INEC from engaging his services to distribute election products in Lagos State, highlighting issues about the politicization of vital electoral procedures.

Future Implications

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

While his advocates celebrate his capability to maintain order and structure within the transport sector, critics worry about the prospective across the country growth of what they view as a harmful blend of transportation union power and political influence.

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

As the nation continues to face concerns of democratic combination and ethnic harmony, the role of influential union leaders like MC Oluomo will likely remain a topic of extreme dispute and analysis.

This advancement works as a defining moment for reflection on the state of Nigeria’s democratic organizations 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 advocates and critics alike, with considerable implications for the transport sector and Nigeria’s wider political landscape.