MC Oluomo elected NURTW National President – Leadership Newspaper
MC Oluomo’s Controversial Rise: From Transport Union Leader to National NURTW President
In an advancement that has triggered both event and issue across Nigeria’s transportation sector, Musiliu Ayinde Akinsanya Akinsanya, widely 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 took place at the Union’s Zonal Secretariat along the Osogbo/Ikirun road in Osun State, marks a considerable turning point in the controversial figure’s career trajectory while raising severe 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 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 led to 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 called for unity within the union, stating, “I have forgiven everybody who upset me, and I wish those I upset would forgive me as well. This is our union, and we should be dedicated to its conservation. We will not permit anyone to damage our methods of livelihood.”
A Controversial Past
However, MC Oluomo’s ascension to the nationwide presidency includes substantial luggage and debate.
Claims of violence, political intimidation, and the weaponization of transport union structures for political purposes marked his period as the chairman of the Lagos State chapter of NURTW.
Most notably, during the 2023 basic elections, MC Oluomo got national attention for his questionable role in election-related violence and citizen intimidation.
He was caught on video making threats against Igbo voters in Lagos State, warning them to either vote for the judgment All Progressives Congress (APC) or stay at home. While he later claimed the declaration was a joke made to a good friend nicknamed “Iya Chukwudi,” the incident caused extensive condemnation and calls for his arrest.
The after-effects of his threats materialized in election day violence, where political criminals allegedly performed civil-war-era-style “eye tests” to recognize Igbo citizens, avoiding numerous from exercising their democratic rights. These actions resulted in the production of a petition calling for 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 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 mentioned his questionable leadership style and declared use of union resources for individual gain as substantial concerns.
The group mentioned, “MC Oluomo’s leadership style is inappropriate. He used union resources for individual gain, disregarding members’ well-being.” They likewise raised issues about his capability to successfully lead the nationwide body, pointing to his history of conflicts with previous leaders and his questionable management design.
The NURTW’s Evolution
The NURTW, formed in 1978 as a follower to the Nigerian Road Transport Union, has actually progressed from a basic trade union into a powerful political force. With almost 2 million members, the union has actually ended up being deeply embedded in Nigeria’s political landscape, frequently working as an essential grassroots mobilization tool for politicians.
The union’s structure, which extends from major cities to remote areas, has made it an appealing partner for political stars seeking to establish control over local neighborhoods. This has resulted in transforming what was originally a transport employees’ union into what some critics describe as a sophisticated 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 various reports, he has been instrumental in the Southwest’s political campaigns and mobilization efforts, consisting of 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 legitimate union activities and political thuggery. During the 2023 elections, his organization was accused of interfering with ballot units and frightening citizens, especially those viewed to be opposition fans.
Legal Challenges and Institutional Response
The questionable nature of MC Oluomo’s leadership has actually led to numerous legal challenges. Noteworthy among these was a court order during the 2023 elections that prevented INEC from engaging his services to disperse election materials in Lagos State, highlighting concerns about the politicization of essential electoral processes.
Future Implications
As MC Oluomo presumes the nationwide management of the NURTW, concerns stay about the union’s future direction and function in Nigeria’s political landscape.
While his supporters celebrate his capability to maintain order and structure within the transport sector, critics fret about the possible across the country expansion of what they see as an unsafe combination of transport union power and political impact.
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 combination and ethnic harmony, the role of influential union leaders like MC Oluomo will likely stay a topic of extreme debate and scrutiny.
This advancement acts as a critical moment for reflection on the state of Nigeria’s democratic institutions and the influence of non-state actors in the country’s political procedures.
As MC Oluomo begins his tenure as National President, his actions will be closely viewed by advocates and critics alike, with significant implications for the transportation sector and Nigeria’s wider political landscape.