Oluomo emerges NURTW national president – The Guardian Nigeria News

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

In an advancement that has actually sparked both event and concern throughout Nigeria’s transport sector, Musiliu Akinsanya, popularly called MC Oluomo, has 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 happened at the Union’s Zonal Secretariat along the Osogbo/Ikirun road in Osun State, marks a considerable milestone in the controversial figure’s career trajectory while raising severe concerns about the intersection of transportation unions and political power in Nigeria.

The Rise to Power

Delegates from 4 South-West states– Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, and Ekiti– participated 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 resulted in 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, stating, “I have forgiven everybody who offended me, and I want those I upset would forgive me also. This is our union, and we should be dedicated to its conservation. We will not enable anyone to damage our means of income.”

A Controversial Past

Nevertheless, MC Oluomo’s ascension to the national presidency features significant luggage and debate.

Allegations 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 especially, during the 2023 general elections, MC Oluomo got national attention for his controversial role in election-related violence and voter intimidation.

He was recorded on video making threats against Igbo voters in Lagos State, alerting them to either vote for the judgment All Progressives Congress (APC) or remain at home. While he later on declared the statement was a joke made to a good friend nicknamed “Iya Chukwudi,” the occurrence caused prevalent condemnation and requires his arrest.

The after-effects of his hazards materialized in election day violence, where political hooligans presumably performed civil-war-era-style “eye tests” to determine Igbo citizens, avoiding numerous from exercising their democratic rights. These actions resulted in the production of a petition calling for global 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 transport workers, 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 management design and alleged use of union resources for personal gain as considerable issues.

The group stated, “MC Oluomo’s leadership style is unacceptable. He utilized union resources for individual gain, neglecting 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 questionable management style.

The NURTW’s Evolution

The NURTW, formed in 1978 as a follower to the Nigerian Road Transport Union, has actually developed from an easy trade union into an effective political force. With almost 2 million members, the union has actually become deeply embedded in Nigeria’s political landscape, frequently 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 appealing partner for political stars seeking to establish control over local neighborhoods. This has actually caused transforming what was originally 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 rise exhibits the complex relationship in between transport unions and political power in Nigeria. As recorded in numerous reports, he has been instrumental in the Southwest’s political campaigns and mobilization efforts, including notable participation in the 2018 Osun State governorship election and subsequent political contests.

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

Legal Challenges and Institutional Response

The controversial nature of MC Oluomo’s leadership has actually caused numerous legal difficulties. Noteworthy among these was a court order during the 2023 elections that avoided INEC from engaging his services to distribute election materials in Lagos State, highlighting issues about the politicization of important electoral procedures.

Future Implications

As MC Oluomo assumes the national management of the NURTW, questions stay about the union’s future direction and function in Nigeria’s political landscape.

While his supporters commemorate his ability to preserve order and structure within the transportation sector, critics stress over the possible across the country growth of what they see as a hazardous combination of transportation union power and political impact.

The visit likewise raises more comprehensive questions 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 face issues of democratic combination and ethnic harmony, the function of prominent union leaders like MC Oluomo will likely stay a subject of intense argument and scrutiny.

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 nation’s political procedures.

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