MC Oluomo elected NURTW national president – TVC News
MC Oluomo’s Controversial Rise: From Transport Union Leader to National NURTW President
In a development that has sparked both celebration and issue across Nigeria’s transportation sector, Musiliu Ayinde Akinsanya Akinsanya, commonly called MC Oluomo, has 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 controversial figure’s career trajectory while raising severe concerns about the intersection of transportation 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 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 visit 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, stating, “I have forgiven everybody who angered me, and I want those I upset would forgive me too. This is our union, and we should be dedicated to its preservation. We will not enable anyone to ruin our ways of livelihood.”
A Controversial Past
Nevertheless, MC Oluomo’s ascension to the national presidency includes substantial baggage and debate.
Allegations 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 especially, throughout the 2023 basic elections, MC Oluomo gained national attention for his controversial function in election-related violence and voter intimidation.
He was captured on video making threats versus Igbo citizens in Lagos State, alerting them to either elect the judgment All Progressives Congress (APC) or remain at home. While he later on declared the declaration was a joke made to a good friend nicknamed “Iya Chukwudi,” the occurrence led to widespread condemnation and calls for his arrest.
The consequences of his risks materialized in election day violence, where political punks allegedly performed civil-war-era-style “eye tests” to identify Igbo citizens, avoiding lots of from exercising their democratic rights. These actions caused the development of a petition calling for global travel restrictions against him, citing his role in prompting ethnic violence.
Opposition and Concerns
The Concerned Transporters in South West of Nigeria, a group of transport employees, has vehemently opposed MC Oluomo’s rise to power. In a communique signed by Comrade Taiwo Ariyo and Alhaji Ahmed Ibrahim, the group mentioned his doubtful management style and alleged use of union resources for individual gain as substantial issues.
The group stated, “MC Oluomo’s leadership design is unacceptable. He utilized union resources for personal gain, disregarding members’ well-being.” They likewise raised concerns about his ability 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 evolved from a simple trade union into a powerful political force. With almost 2 million members, the union has actually become deeply embedded in Nigeria’s political landscape, frequently functioning as a vital grassroots mobilization tool for political leaders.
The union’s structure, which extends from significant cities to remote locations, has actually made it an attractive partner for political stars seeking to develop control over local neighborhoods. This has actually caused transforming what was originally a transport workers’ union into what some critics describe as an advanced network for political mobilization and, sometimes, intimidation.
Political Influence and Violence
MC Oluomo’s rise exhibits the complex relationship between transportation unions and political power in Nigeria. As documented in different reports, he has contributed in the Southwest’s political campaigns and mobilization efforts, including notable involvement in the 2018 Osun State governorship election and subsequent political contests.
His methods of operation have often been slammed for blurring the lines between legitimate union activities and political thuggery. Throughout the 2023 elections, his company was accused of interrupting polling systems and daunting citizens, especially those viewed to be opposition fans.
Legal Challenges and Institutional Response
The questionable nature of MC Oluomo’s management has actually resulted in different legal difficulties. Noteworthy among these was a court order during the 2023 elections that prevented INEC from engaging his services to disperse election products in Lagos State, highlighting issues about the politicization of essential electoral procedures.
Future Implications
As MC Oluomo assumes the national leadership of the NURTW, questions remain about the union’s future instructions and function in Nigeria’s political landscape.
While his fans commemorate his capability to keep order and structure within the transportation sector, critics fret about the potential nationwide growth of what they view as a hazardous combination of transport union power and political influence.
The visit also raises wider concerns about the need for reform within Nigeria’s transport union structure and the relationship in between labour unions and political power.
As the nation continues to face issues of democratic consolidation and ethnic consistency, the function of influential union leaders like MC Oluomo will likely stay a topic of intense 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 nation’s political procedures.
As MC Oluomo starts his period as National President, his actions will be carefully seen by supporters and critics alike, with significant implications for the transport sector and Nigeria’s broader political landscape.