MC Oluomo elected as NURTW president – Nairaland
MC Oluomo’s Controversial Rise: From Transport Union Leader to National NURTW President
In an advancement that has triggered both event and concern throughout Nigeria’s transport sector, Musiliu Ayinde Akinsanya Akinsanya, popularly known as MC Oluomo, has 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 roadway in Osun State, marks a substantial milestone in the questionable figure’s career trajectory while raising major questions about the crossway of transportation unions and political power in Nigeria.
The Rise to Power
Delegates from 4 South-West states– Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, and Ekiti– participated in the election, which saw MC Oluomo as the sole candidate.
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 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 called for unity within the union, stating, “I have actually forgiven everybody who angered me, and I wish those I offended would forgive me too. This is our union, and we must be committed to its conservation. We will not enable anyone to ruin our methods of livelihood.”
A Controversial Past
However, MC Oluomo’s ascension to the nationwide presidency features significant luggage and debate.
Accusations 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, throughout the 2023 basic elections, MC Oluomo gained national attention for his controversial function in election-related violence and voter intimidation.
He was caught on video making threats against Igbo citizens in Lagos State, warning them to either choose the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) or remain at home. While he later on claimed the statement was a joke made to a good friend nicknamed “Iya Chukwudi,” the incident led to prevalent condemnation and calls for his arrest.
The after-effects of his hazards materialized in election day violence, where political hooligans supposedly performed civil-war-era-style “eye tests” to identify Igbo voters, preventing lots of from exercising their democratic rights. These actions caused the development of a petition calling for international 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 emphatically opposed MC Oluomo’s rise to power. In a communique signed by Comrade Taiwo Ariyo and Alhaji Ahmed Ibrahim, the group mentioned his doubtful leadership design and declared use of union resources for individual gain as significant issues.
The group mentioned, “MC Oluomo’s management design is inappropriate. He used union resources for individual gain, ignoring members’ welfare.” They also raised concerns about his capability to successfully 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 follower to the Nigerian Road Transport Union, has actually evolved from an easy trade union into a powerful political force. With almost 2 million members, the union has ended up being deeply embedded in Nigeria’s political landscape, frequently acting as a vital grassroots mobilization tool for politicians.
The union’s structure, which extends from major cities to remote locations, has actually made it an appealing partner for political actors looking for to establish control over regional neighborhoods. This has actually led to transforming what was originally a transportation employees’ union into what some critics refer to as an advanced network for political mobilization and, in some cases, intimidation.
Political Influence and Violence
MC Oluomo’s increase exemplifies the complex relationship in between transportation unions and political power in Nigeria. As documented in numerous reports, he has actually been instrumental in the Southwest’s political campaigns and mobilization efforts, including noteworthy involvement in the 2018 Osun State governorship election and subsequent political contests.
His methods of operation have typically been slammed for blurring the lines in between genuine union activities and political thuggery. During the 2023 elections, his organization was implicated of disrupting ballot systems and frightening voters, particularly those perceived to be opposition advocates.
Legal Challenges and Institutional Response
The questionable nature of MC Oluomo’s leadership has actually caused numerous legal obstacles. Significant among these was a court order during the 2023 elections that avoided INEC from engaging his services to disperse election products in Lagos State, highlighting issues about the politicization of vital electoral procedures.
Future Implications
As MC Oluomo presumes the nationwide management of the NURTW, questions remain about the union’s future instructions and role in Nigeria’s political landscape.
While his advocates celebrate his ability to preserve order and structure within the transportation sector, critics fret about the possible nationwide expansion of what they see as an unsafe blend of transportation union power and political influence.
The appointment likewise raises wider questions about the requirement for reform within Nigeria’s transport union structure and the relationship between labour unions and political power.
As the country continues to face concerns of democratic debt consolidation and ethnic consistency, the function of prominent union leaders like MC Oluomo will likely remain a topic of extreme debate and analysis.
This development works as a critical moment for reflection on the state of Nigeria’s democratic organizations and the impact of non-state stars in the country’s political processes.
As MC Oluomo starts his period as National President, his actions will be closely viewed by fans and critics alike, with substantial implications for the transportation sector and Nigeria’s wider political landscape.