Oluomo emerges NURTW national president – Vanguard Newspaper

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

In a development that has actually stimulated both celebration and issue throughout Nigeria’s transportation sector, Musiliu Akinsanya, widely known as 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 took place at the Union’s Zonal Secretariat along the Osogbo/Ikirun road in Osun State, marks a significant turning point in the controversial 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– participated 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, mentioning, «I have forgiven everyone who offended me, and I wish those I offended would forgive me too. This is our union, and we need to be devoted to its preservation. We will not enable anyone to damage our means of livelihood.»

A Controversial Past

However, MC Oluomo’s ascension to the nationwide presidency includes significant luggage and debate.

Allegations 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, during the 2023 general elections, MC Oluomo gained nationwide attention for his controversial function in election-related violence and citizen intimidation.

He was recorded on video making threats against Igbo citizens in Lagos State, warning them to either vote for 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 incident led to widespread condemnation and requires his arrest.

The consequences of his risks emerged in election day violence, where political criminals allegedly performed civil-war-era-style «eye tests» to recognize Igbo citizens, avoiding lots of from exercising their democratic rights. These actions caused the creation of a petition calling for international travel bans against him, mentioning his role in inciting 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 cited his questionable management design and declared use of union resources for individual gain as considerable concerns.

The group specified, «MC Oluomo’s management design is unacceptable. He used union resources for personal gain, ignoring members’ well-being.» They also raised concerns about his capability to successfully lead the nationwide body, indicating 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 actually evolved from a simple trade union into an effective political force. With almost 2 million members, the union has actually become deeply embedded in Nigeria’s political landscape, typically acting as an important grassroots mobilization tool for political leaders.

The union’s structure, which extends from major cities to remote locations, has actually made it an attractive partner for political stars seeking to develop control over local neighborhoods. This has led to changing what was initially a transportation employees’ union into what some critics describe as a sophisticated network for political mobilization and, often, intimidation.

Political Influence and Violence

MC Oluomo’s rise exhibits the complex relationship in between transportation unions and political power in Nigeria. As documented 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 between legitimate union activities and political thuggery. During the 2023 elections, his company was implicated of interfering with ballot units and frightening citizens, particularly those viewed to be opposition supporters.

Legal Challenges and Institutional Response

The controversial nature of MC Oluomo’s management has actually led to numerous legal obstacles. Notable amongst these was a court order throughout the 2023 elections that avoided INEC from engaging his services to distribute election materials in Lagos State, highlighting concerns about the politicization of vital electoral procedures.

Future Implications

As MC Oluomo presumes the nationwide management of the NURTW, questions remain about the union’s future direction and role in Nigeria’s political landscape.

While his fans celebrate his ability to maintain order and structure within the transport sector, critics worry about the prospective nationwide growth of what they view as a dangerous blend of transport union power and political impact.

The consultation likewise 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 problems of democratic combination and ethnic harmony, the role of prominent union leaders like MC Oluomo will likely stay a subject of extreme dispute and analysis.

This advancement functions 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 processes.

As MC Oluomo begins his period as National President, his actions will be closely watched by fans and critics alike, with significant ramifications for the transportation sector and Nigeria’s wider political landscape.