MC Oluomo emerges NURTW President – Nairaland
MC Oluomo’s Controversial Rise: From Transport Union Leader to National NURTW President
In a development that has actually sparked both celebration and issue across Nigeria’s transportation sector, Musiliu Ayinde Akinsanya Akinsanya, commonly called 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 happened at the Union’s Zonal Secretariat along the Osogbo/Ikirun road in Osun State, marks a considerable turning point in the questionable figure’s career trajectory while raising major concerns about the intersection 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 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 resulted in the appointment 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 everyone who angered me, and I wish those I upset would forgive me also. This is our union, and we need to be dedicated to its conservation. We will not allow anybody to damage our means of livelihood.”
A Controversial Past
Nevertheless, MC Oluomo’s ascension to the nationwide presidency features substantial baggage and controversy.
Claims 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 notably, throughout the 2023 basic elections, MC Oluomo acquired national attention for his questionable function in election-related violence and voter intimidation.
He was captured on video making threats versus Igbo voters in Lagos State, cautioning them to either vote for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) or remain at home. While he later on claimed the statement was a joke made to a friend nicknamed “Iya Chukwudi,” the incident caused prevalent condemnation and requires his arrest.
The consequences of his risks emerged in election day violence, where political punks allegedly conducted civil-war-era-style “eye tests” to identify Igbo voters, preventing numerous from exercising their democratic rights. These actions led to the production of a petition calling for worldwide travel restrictions against him, mentioning his role in inciting ethnic violence.
Opposition and Concerns
The Concerned Transporters in South West of Nigeria, a group of transportation employees, has actually vehemently 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 design and declared use of union resources for personal gain as substantial concerns.
The group mentioned, “MC Oluomo’s management design is unacceptable. He utilized union resources for personal gain, neglecting members’ welfare.” They also raised concerns about his capability to efficiently lead the nationwide body, pointing to his history of conflicts with previous leaders and his controversial management style.
The NURTW’s Evolution
The NURTW, formed in 1978 as a successor to the Nigerian Road Transport Union, has evolved from an easy trade union into a powerful political force. With nearly 2 million members, the union has actually become deeply embedded in Nigeria’s political landscape, often functioning as an important grassroots mobilization tool for political leaders.
The union’s structure, which extends from major cities to remote locations, has made it an appealing partner for political actors looking for to establish control over local communities. This has actually resulted in transforming what was originally a transport employees’ union into what some critics describe as an advanced network for political mobilization and, often, intimidation.
Political Influence and Violence
MC Oluomo’s rise exemplifies the complex relationship 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 significant involvement in the 2018 Osun State governorship election and subsequent political contests.
His methods of operation have actually often been slammed for blurring the lines in between genuine union activities and political thuggery. Throughout the 2023 elections, his organization was implicated of interfering with 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 led to numerous legal difficulties. Notable amongst 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 essential electoral procedures.
Future Implications
As MC Oluomo presumes the national leadership of the NURTW, questions stay about the union’s future instructions and function in Nigeria’s political landscape.
While his fans commemorate his capability to maintain order and structure within the transport sector, critics worry about the prospective across the country growth of what they see as a dangerous fusion of transport union power and political influence.
The visit also raises broader concerns about the need for reform within Nigeria’s transport union structure and the relationship between labour unions and political power.
As the country continues to come to grips with issues of democratic debt consolidation and ethnic consistency, the role of influential union leaders like MC Oluomo will likely stay a subject of intense debate and examination.
This development acts as a defining 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 period as National President, his actions will be carefully enjoyed by advocates and critics alike, with substantial ramifications for the transport sector and Nigeria’s broader political landscape.