MC Oluomo elected NURTW National President – Nairaland Forum

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, popularly known as 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 occurred at the Union’s Zonal Secretariat along the Osogbo/Ikirun roadway in Osun State, marks a significant milestone in the controversial figure’s profession trajectory while raising major questions about the intersection of transportation 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 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 led to the consultation of Tajudeen Agbede as Vice President of South-West and Akeem Adeosun as trustee from the zone.

In his acceptance speech, MC Oluomo called for unity within the union, mentioning, “I have forgiven everyone who upset me, and I wish those I upset would forgive me as well. This is our union, and we must be devoted to its preservation. We will not allow anybody to ruin our means of livelihood.”

A Controversial Past

Nevertheless, MC Oluomo’s ascension to the nationwide presidency comes with considerable luggage and controversy.

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

Most especially, during the 2023 basic elections, MC Oluomo gained nationwide attention for his questionable function in election-related violence and citizen intimidation.

He was captured on video making threats against Igbo voters in Lagos State, warning them to either elect the judgment All Progressives Congress (APC) or stay at home. While he later on declared the declaration was a joke made to a friend nicknamed “Iya Chukwudi,” the incident resulted in widespread condemnation and calls for his arrest.

The aftermath of his dangers materialized in election day violence, where political goons allegedly conducted civil-war-era-style “eye tests” to identify Igbo voters, avoiding numerous from exercising their democratic rights. These actions caused the creation of a petition requiring global travel bans versus him, citing his function in inciting ethnic violence.

Opposition and Concerns

The Concerned Transporters in South West of Nigeria, a group of transportation employees, has emphatically 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 declared use of union resources for personal gain as substantial issues.

The group mentioned, “MC Oluomo’s management style is unacceptable. He utilized union resources for personal gain, disregarding members’ welfare.” They likewise raised issues about his ability to successfully lead the nationwide body, pointing to his history of conflicts with previous leaders and his questionable management style.

The NURTW’s Evolution

The NURTW, formed in 1978 as a follower to the Nigerian Road Transport Union, has progressed from an easy trade union into an effective political force. With almost 2 million members, the union has ended up being deeply embedded in Nigeria’s political landscape, often functioning as an essential grassroots mobilization tool for politicians.

The union’s structure, which extends from major cities to remote locations, has actually made it an appealing partner for political actors seeking to develop control over regional communities. This has actually resulted in transforming what was originally a transportation employees’ union into what some critics describe as an advanced network for political mobilization and, sometimes, intimidation.

Political Influence and Violence

MC Oluomo’s increase exhibits the complex relationship in between transportation unions and political power in Nigeria. As recorded in numerous 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 typically been slammed for blurring the lines between legitimate union activities and political thuggery. Throughout the 2023 elections, his organization was accused of interrupting ballot systems and intimidating citizens, especially those perceived to be opposition advocates.

Legal Challenges and Institutional Response

The questionable nature of MC Oluomo’s leadership has actually resulted in various legal obstacles. Notable amongst these was a court order during the 2023 elections that avoided INEC from engaging his services to disperse election products in Lagos State, highlighting concerns about the politicization of essential electoral procedures.

Future Implications

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

While his advocates commemorate his ability to keep order and structure within the transport sector, critics stress over the possible across the country expansion of what they view as a dangerous fusion of transportation union power and political impact.

The visit also raises wider questions about the need for reform within Nigeria’s transportation union structure and the relationship in between labour unions and political power.

As the nation continues to face problems of democratic consolidation and ethnic harmony, the function of influential union leaders like MC Oluomo will likely remain a topic of extreme debate and analysis.

This advancement serves as a critical moment for reflection on the state of Nigeria’s democratic organizations and the impact of non-state stars in the country’s political processes.

As MC Oluomo starts his period as National President, his actions will be closely watched by advocates and critics alike, with considerable ramifications for the transport sector and Nigeria’s more comprehensive political landscape.