MC Oluomo elected as NURTW president – Leadership News

MC Oluomo’s Controversial Rise: From Transport Union Leader to National NURTW President

In an advancement that has triggered both event and concern across Nigeria’s transportation sector, Musiliu Akinsanya, commonly called MC Oluomo, has actually 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 roadway in Osun State, marks a substantial milestone in the questionable figure’s profession trajectory while raising major concerns about the intersection 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 process 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 likewise 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 called for unity within the union, mentioning, “I have actually forgiven everyone who upset me, and I want those I upset would forgive me also. This is our union, and we need to be dedicated to its conservation. We will not allow anyone to ruin our ways of income.”

A Controversial Past

Nevertheless, MC Oluomo’s ascension to the national presidency includes substantial luggage and controversy.

Claims of violence, political intimidation, and the weaponization of transportation union structures for political purposes marked his period as the chairman of the Lagos State chapter of NURTW.

Most notably, throughout the 2023 basic elections, MC Oluomo acquired nationwide attention for his controversial function in election-related violence and voter intimidation.

He was captured on video making threats against Igbo voters in Lagos State, cautioning them to either elect 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 occurrence resulted in prevalent condemnation and requires his arrest.

The aftermath of his risks materialized in election day violence, where political hooligans supposedly carried out civil-war-era-style “eye tests” to recognize Igbo voters, avoiding many from exercising their democratic rights. These actions caused the creation of a petition calling for worldwide travel restrictions against 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 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 style and alleged use of union resources for personal gain as considerable concerns.

The group specified, “MC Oluomo’s management style is undesirable. He utilized union resources for personal gain, ignoring members’ welfare.” They likewise raised concerns about his capability to efficiently lead the national body, indicating his history of conflicts with previous leaders and his questionable management design.

The NURTW’s Evolution

The NURTW, formed in 1978 as a successor to the Nigerian Road Transport Union, has actually developed from an easy trade union into an effective political force. With nearly 2 million members, the union has actually ended up being deeply embedded in Nigeria’s political landscape, often functioning as a vital 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 stars looking for to establish control over regional neighborhoods. This has actually resulted in changing what was initially a transport employees’ union into what some critics refer to as an advanced 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 documented in different reports, he has been instrumental in the Southwest’s political campaigns and mobilization efforts, including significant participation in the 2018 Osun State governorship election and subsequent political contests.

His methods of operation have often been criticized for blurring the lines between legitimate union activities and political thuggery. Throughout the 2023 elections, his organization was accused of interfering with ballot units and intimidating voters, especially those perceived to be opposition fans.

Legal Challenges and Institutional Response

The controversial nature of MC Oluomo’s management has actually caused various legal obstacles. Significant amongst these was a court order throughout the 2023 elections that prevented INEC from engaging his services to distribute election materials in Lagos State, highlighting issues about the politicization of essential electoral procedures.

Future Implications

As MC Oluomo presumes the national management of the NURTW, concerns stay about the union’s future direction and role in Nigeria’s political landscape.

While his supporters commemorate his capability to maintain order and structure within the transport sector, critics stress over the prospective nationwide growth of what they see as a harmful blend of transportation union power and political impact.

The consultation likewise raises wider 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 problems of democratic debt consolidation and ethnic consistency, the function of influential union leaders like MC Oluomo will likely remain a subject of intense debate and examination.

This development acts as a critical moment for reflection on the state of Nigeria’s democratic organizations and the influence of non-state actors in the nation’s political procedures.

As MC Oluomo begins his period as National President, his actions will be carefully seen by advocates and critics alike, with significant implications for the transportation sector and Nigeria’s broader political landscape.