MC Oluomo elected as NURTW president – Pulse Nigeria

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

In a development that has stimulated both event and concern across Nigeria’s transport sector, Musiliu Ayinde Akinsanya Akinsanya, commonly referred to 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 occurred at the Union’s Zonal Secretariat along the Osogbo/Ikirun roadway in Osun State, marks a considerable milestone in the questionable figure’s profession trajectory while raising serious concerns 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– took part in the election, which saw MC Oluomo as the sole candidate.

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 also led to 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 forgiven everybody who offended me, and I wish those I upset would forgive me too. This is our union, and we must be dedicated to its preservation. We will not enable anybody to ruin our means of livelihood.”

A Controversial Past

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

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

He was caught on video making threats against Igbo citizens in Lagos State, alerting them to either vote for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) or remain at home. While he later declared the statement was a joke made to a good friend nicknamed “Iya Chukwudi,” the incident led to widespread condemnation and calls for his arrest.

The consequences of his dangers emerged in election day violence, where political hooligans presumably conducted civil-war-era-style “eye tests” to determine Igbo voters, avoiding numerous from exercising their democratic rights. These actions led to the creation of a petition calling for international travel bans versus him, citing his function in prompting ethnic violence.

Opposition and Concerns

The Concerned Transporters in South West of Nigeria, a group of transportation employees, has actually emphatically 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 personal gain as considerable concerns.

The group mentioned, “MC Oluomo’s leadership design is inappropriate. He utilized union resources for individual gain, neglecting members’ welfare.” They also raised issues about his capability to successfully lead the national body, indicating his history of conflicts with previous leaders and his questionable management style.

The NURTW’s Evolution

The NURTW, formed in 1978 as a successor to the Nigerian Road Transport Union, has developed from a basic trade union into an effective political force. With nearly 2 million members, the union has actually become deeply embedded in Nigeria’s political landscape, typically functioning as a vital grassroots mobilization tool for politicians.

The union’s structure, which extends from significant cities to remote locations, has made it an attractive partner for political actors looking for to establish control over regional communities. This has actually led to changing what was originally a transport employees’ union into what some critics refer to as a sophisticated network for political mobilization and, sometimes, intimidation.

Political Influence and Violence

MC Oluomo’s rise exemplifies the complex relationship in between transportation unions and political power in Nigeria. As recorded in different reports, he has been instrumental in the Southwest’s political campaigns and mobilization efforts, consisting of noteworthy participation in the 2018 Osun State governorship election and subsequent political contests.

His methods of operation have actually frequently been slammed for blurring the lines between genuine union activities and political thuggery. During the 2023 elections, his organization was accused of interrupting ballot units and frightening voters, especially those perceived to be opposition fans.

Legal Challenges and Institutional Response

The controversial nature of MC Oluomo’s leadership has led to numerous legal challenges. Notable among these was a court order throughout 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 presumes the nationwide leadership of the NURTW, concerns stay about the union’s future instructions and role in Nigeria’s political landscape.

While his supporters celebrate his ability to keep order and structure within the transport sector, critics stress over the prospective nationwide expansion of what they see as a dangerous fusion of transport union power and political impact.

The visit likewise raises more comprehensive concerns about the requirement for reform within Nigeria’s transportation union structure and the relationship between labour unions and political power.

As the country continues to come to grips with problems of democratic consolidation and ethnic harmony, the role of prominent union leaders like MC Oluomo will likely stay a subject of extreme debate and analysis.

This advancement acts as a critical moment for reflection on the state of Nigeria’s democratic institutions and the influence of non-state stars in the nation’s political processes.

As MC Oluomo begins his tenure as National President, his actions will be carefully seen by fans and critics alike, with significant ramifications for the transport sector and Nigeria’s wider political landscape.