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 sparked both celebration and concern across Nigeria’s transport sector, Musiliu Akinsanya, popularly referred to as MC Oluomo, has actually emerged as the National President of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) following an agreement 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 turning point in the controversial figure’s profession trajectory while raising severe questions about the crossway 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 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 also resulted in 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, mentioning, “I have forgiven everybody who offended me, and I want those I upset would forgive me as well. This is our union, and we must be dedicated to its preservation. We will not allow anybody to ruin our methods of livelihood.”
A Controversial Past
Nevertheless, MC Oluomo’s ascension to the nationwide presidency comes with substantial baggage and debate.
Allegations 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 especially, during the 2023 basic elections, MC Oluomo gained national attention for his questionable function in election-related violence and voter intimidation.
He was recorded on video making threats versus Igbo citizens in Lagos State, warning them to either choose the judgment All Progressives Congress (APC) or stay at home. While he later on claimed the declaration was a joke made to a friend nicknamed “Iya Chukwudi,” the incident led to extensive condemnation and requires his arrest.
The consequences of his hazards emerged in election day violence, where political hooligans presumably carried out civil-war-era-style “eye tests” to determine Igbo voters, preventing numerous from exercising their democratic rights. These actions resulted in the development of a petition requiring international travel bans against him, mentioning his function in inciting 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 management design and alleged use of union resources for personal gain as substantial concerns.
The group stated, “MC Oluomo’s leadership design is unacceptable. He used union resources for personal gain, disregarding members’ well-being.” They likewise raised issues about his ability to successfully lead the nationwide body, pointing to 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 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 working 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 seeking to develop control over local neighborhoods. This has resulted in transforming what was originally a transport workers’ 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 exhibits 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, consisting of significant involvement in the 2018 Osun State governorship election and subsequent political contests.
His methods of operation have actually frequently been criticized for blurring the lines between legitimate union activities and political thuggery. Throughout the 2023 elections, his organization was accused of disrupting ballot systems and daunting citizens, especially those perceived to be opposition advocates.
Legal Challenges and Institutional Response
The controversial nature of MC Oluomo’s leadership has actually resulted in numerous legal challenges. Notable 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 concerns about the politicization of important electoral procedures.
Future Implications
As MC Oluomo assumes the national leadership of the NURTW, questions stay 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 stress over the possible across the country growth of what they see as a harmful fusion of transportation union power and political influence.
The visit likewise raises broader concerns about the need for reform within Nigeria’s transportation union structure and the relationship in between labour unions and political power.
As the nation continues to face issues of democratic consolidation and ethnic harmony, the role of influential union leaders like MC Oluomo will likely remain a topic of intense argument and scrutiny.
This development functions 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 processes.
As MC Oluomo starts his tenure as National President, his actions will be carefully seen by supporters and critics alike, with considerable ramifications for the transportation sector and Nigeria’s more comprehensive political landscape.
