MC Oluomo elected as NURTW president – Blueprint Newspapers Limited

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

In a development that has sparked both event and concern across Nigeria’s transportation sector, Musiliu Ayinde Akinsanya Akinsanya, commonly known as MC Oluomo, has actually 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 happened at the Union’s Zonal Secretariat along the Osogbo/Ikirun road in Osun State, marks a considerable milestone in the controversial figure’s profession 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 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 consultation of Tajudeen Agbede as Vice President of South-West and Akeem Adeosun as trustee from the zone.

In his acceptance speech, MC Oluomo required unity within the union, stating, “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 must be committed to its preservation. We will not enable anyone to damage our means of livelihood.”

A Controversial Past

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

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

Most especially, during the 2023 general elections, MC Oluomo gained nationwide attention for his questionable function in election-related violence and voter intimidation.

He was captured on video making threats versus Igbo citizens in Lagos State, cautioning them to either vote for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) or stay at home. While he later on declared the declaration was a joke made to a buddy nicknamed “Iya Chukwudi,” the incident led to widespread condemnation and calls for his arrest.

The consequences of his dangers emerged in election day violence, where political criminals apparently performed civil-war-era-style “eye tests” to identify Igbo voters, avoiding numerous from exercising their democratic rights. These actions caused the creation of a petition calling for international travel bans against him, citing his role in prompting ethnic violence.

Opposition and Concerns

The Concerned Transporters in South West of Nigeria, a group of transportation workers, 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 declared use of union resources for individual gain as substantial concerns.

The group mentioned, “MC Oluomo’s management design is unacceptable. He used union resources for individual gain, neglecting members’ well-being.” They also 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 follower to the Nigerian Road Transport Union, has progressed from a simple trade union into an effective political force. With nearly 2 million members, the union has become deeply embedded in Nigeria’s political landscape, typically serving as an important grassroots mobilization tool for political leaders.

The union’s structure, which extends from significant cities to remote locations, has actually made it an attractive partner for political actors looking for to develop control over regional communities. This has actually caused 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 rise exhibits the complex relationship in between transportation unions and political power in Nigeria. As documented in different reports, he has actually contributed in the Southwest’s political campaigns and mobilization efforts, consisting of notable involvement in the 2018 Osun State governorship election and subsequent political contests.

His methods of operation have typically been criticized for blurring the lines in between genuine union activities and political thuggery. During the 2023 elections, his company was accused of interrupting polling units and daunting citizens, especially those perceived to be opposition supporters.

Legal Challenges and Institutional Response

The questionable nature of MC Oluomo’s leadership has resulted in various legal obstacles. Noteworthy 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 vital electoral processes.

Future Implications

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

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

The consultation also raises more comprehensive questions 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 debt consolidation and ethnic harmony, the function of prominent union leaders like MC Oluomo will likely stay a topic of extreme debate and examination.

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

As MC Oluomo begins his tenure as National President, his actions will be closely seen by fans and critics alike, with significant ramifications for the transport sector and Nigeria’s broader political landscape.