MC Oluomo elected as NURTW president – Guardian Newspaper

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

In an advancement that has stimulated both celebration and concern across Nigeria’s transportation sector, Musiliu Ayinde Akinsanya Akinsanya, popularly called 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 milestone in the questionable figure’s profession trajectory while raising major questions about the intersection of transport 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 prospect.

The process 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 resulted in the appointment 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, specifying, “I have actually forgiven everybody who offended me, and I wish those I upset would forgive me also. This is our union, and we must be devoted to its preservation. We will not allow anybody to destroy our methods of income.”

A Controversial Past

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

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

Most notably, throughout the 2023 basic elections, MC Oluomo got nationwide attention for his questionable function in election-related violence and citizen intimidation.

He was caught on video making threats versus Igbo citizens in Lagos State, alerting them to either choose the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) or remain at home. While he later on claimed the declaration was a joke made to a friend nicknamed “Iya Chukwudi,” the event resulted in extensive condemnation and calls for his arrest.

The after-effects of his dangers emerged in election day violence, where political thugs allegedly carried out civil-war-era-style “eye tests” to determine Igbo citizens, avoiding numerous from exercising their democratic rights. These actions resulted in the creation of a petition calling for global travel bans versus him, citing his role in prompting ethnic violence.

Opposition and Concerns

The Concerned Transporters in South West of Nigeria, a group of transport 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 questionable leadership style and alleged use of union resources for personal gain as considerable issues.

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

The NURTW’s Evolution

The NURTW, formed in 1978 as a follower to the Nigerian Road Transport Union, has developed from a simple 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 serving as an important grassroots mobilization tool for politicians.

The union’s structure, which extends from significant cities to remote locations, has made it an appealing partner for political actors seeking to develop control over regional communities. This has led to changing what was originally a transport workers’ 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 exemplifies the complex relationship between transportation unions and political power in Nigeria. As recorded in different reports, he has actually been instrumental in the Southwest’s political campaigns and mobilization efforts, including significant involvement 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 genuine union activities and political thuggery. Throughout the 2023 elections, his organization was accused of interrupting ballot units and daunting voters, especially those perceived to be opposition supporters.

Legal Challenges and Institutional Response

The controversial nature of MC Oluomo’s leadership has actually resulted in numerous legal difficulties. Significant among 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 essential 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 advocates commemorate his ability to preserve order and structure within the transport sector, critics worry about the possible across the country expansion of what they see as a harmful blend of transportation union power and political influence.

The visit also raises more comprehensive concerns about the requirement for reform within Nigeria’s transportation 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 role of influential union leaders like MC Oluomo will likely stay a topic of intense argument and scrutiny.

This advancement functions as a critical moment for reflection on the state of Nigeria’s democratic organizations and the influence of non-state actors in the nation’s political procedures.

As MC Oluomo begins his tenure as National President, his actions will be carefully viewed by advocates and critics alike, with significant ramifications for the transportation sector and Nigeria’s wider political landscape.