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 sparked both celebration and concern across Nigeria’s transport sector, Musiliu Akinsanya, widely 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 happened at the Union’s Zonal Secretariat along the Osogbo/Ikirun roadway in Osun State, marks a considerable turning point in the questionable figure’s profession trajectory while raising serious concerns 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– took part in the election, which saw MC Oluomo as the sole candidate.
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 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, stating, “I have forgiven everybody who upset me, and I want those I upset would forgive me also. This is our union, and we should be committed to its conservation. We will not allow anybody to ruin our means of livelihood.”
A Controversial Past
Nevertheless, MC Oluomo’s ascension to the national presidency includes significant baggage and controversy.
Accusations of violence, political intimidation, and the weaponization of transport union structures for political functions marked his period as the chairman of the Lagos State chapter of NURTW.
Most especially, throughout the 2023 general elections, MC Oluomo acquired national attention for his controversial function in election-related violence and citizen intimidation.
He was captured on video making threats versus Igbo voters in Lagos State, alerting them to either choose the judgment All Progressives Congress (APC) or remain at home. While he later declared the declaration was a joke made to a friend nicknamed “Iya Chukwudi,” the event caused prevalent condemnation and calls for his arrest.
The consequences of his hazards emerged in election day violence, where political hooligans allegedly performed civil-war-era-style “eye tests” to identify Igbo voters, avoiding lots of from exercising their democratic rights. These actions led to the creation of a petition requiring global travel restrictions versus him, mentioning his function in prompting ethnic violence.
Opposition and Concerns
The Concerned Transporters in South West of Nigeria, a group of transport workers, has 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 substantial concerns.
The group mentioned, “MC Oluomo’s management style is inappropriate. He utilized union resources for individual gain, overlooking members’ well-being.” They also raised concerns about his capability to efficiently lead the national 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 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 serving as a crucial grassroots mobilization tool for political leaders.
The union’s structure, which extends from major cities to remote locations, has actually made it an appealing partner for political stars looking for to establish control over regional communities. This has resulted in transforming what was initially a transport employees’ union into what some critics describe as an advanced network for political mobilization and, sometimes, intimidation.
Political Influence and Violence
MC Oluomo’s rise exemplifies the complex relationship between transport unions and political power in Nigeria. As recorded in various reports, he has been instrumental in the Southwest’s political campaigns and mobilization efforts, including noteworthy participation in the 2018 Osun State governorship election and subsequent political contests.
His methods of operation have actually often been criticized for blurring the lines in between legitimate union activities and political thuggery. During the 2023 elections, his organization was accused of interrupting ballot systems and daunting voters, especially those viewed to be opposition advocates.
Legal Challenges and Institutional Response
The questionable nature of MC Oluomo’s management has caused different legal difficulties. Noteworthy among these was a court order throughout the 2023 elections that prevented INEC from engaging his services to disperse election materials in Lagos State, highlighting issues about the politicization of necessary electoral processes.
Future Implications
As MC Oluomo assumes the national leadership of the NURTW, concerns stay about the union’s future instructions and function in Nigeria’s political landscape.
While his supporters commemorate his capability to maintain order and structure within the transportation sector, critics stress over the prospective nationwide expansion of what they view as a hazardous combination of transport union power and political influence.
The visit 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 nation continues to grapple with problems of democratic debt consolidation and ethnic consistency, the role of influential union leaders like MC Oluomo will likely remain a subject of intense debate and examination.
This advancement acts as a critical moment for reflection on the state of Nigeria’s democratic organizations and the influence of non-state actors in the country’s political processes.
As MC Oluomo starts his period as National President, his actions will be carefully enjoyed by fans and critics alike, with significant ramifications for the transportation sector and Nigeria’s more comprehensive political landscape.