MC Oluomo elected NURTW national president – Peoples Gazette Nigeria

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

In an advancement that has actually stimulated both event and issue across Nigeria’s transport sector, Musiliu Akinsanya, widely called MC Oluomo, has 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 considerable turning point in the controversial figure’s career trajectory while raising serious concerns about the crossway of transport 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 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 required unity within the union, mentioning, “I have forgiven everyone who upset me, and I want those I upset would forgive me as well. This is our union, and we must be dedicated to its preservation. We will not allow anyone to destroy our means of livelihood.”

A Controversial Past

Nevertheless, MC Oluomo’s ascension to the national presidency includes significant baggage and debate.

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

Most especially, during the 2023 basic elections, MC Oluomo got nationwide attention for his controversial role in election-related violence and voter intimidation.

He was recorded on video making threats versus Igbo citizens in Lagos State, alerting them to either vote for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) or stay at home. While he later claimed the statement was a joke made to a buddy nicknamed “Iya Chukwudi,” the incident caused widespread condemnation and requires his arrest.

The consequences of his risks emerged in election day violence, where political criminals apparently conducted civil-war-era-style “eye tests” to identify Igbo voters, avoiding many from exercising their democratic rights. These actions led to the development of a petition calling for worldwide travel restrictions versus him, citing his role in inciting ethnic violence.

Opposition and Concerns

The Concerned Transporters in South West of Nigeria, a group of transport employees, 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 doubtful management style and declared use of union resources for personal gain as significant concerns.

The group specified, “MC Oluomo’s leadership design is unacceptable. He used union resources for personal gain, neglecting members’ welfare.” They also raised issues about his ability to efficiently 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 actually evolved from a basic trade union into a powerful political force. With nearly 2 million members, the union has actually ended up being deeply embedded in Nigeria’s political landscape, typically serving as a crucial grassroots mobilization tool for politicians.

The union’s structure, which extends from significant cities to remote locations, has actually made it an attractive partner for political stars looking for to establish control over local communities. This has actually led to changing what was initially a transportation workers’ union into what some critics describe as a sophisticated network for political mobilization and, in some cases, intimidation.

Political Influence and Violence

MC Oluomo’s rise exhibits the complex relationship in between transportation unions and political power in Nigeria. As recorded in various reports, he has actually been instrumental in the Southwest’s political campaigns and mobilization efforts, including significant involvement 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 legitimate union activities and political thuggery. During the 2023 elections, his company was accused of interrupting ballot units and intimidating voters, particularly those viewed to be opposition supporters.

Legal Challenges and Institutional Response

The controversial nature of MC Oluomo’s management has resulted in different legal difficulties. Significant among 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 necessary 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 advocates commemorate his ability to preserve order and structure within the transport sector, critics fret about the possible across the country growth of what they view as an unsafe combination of transportation union power and political impact.

The appointment 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 grapple with problems of democratic combination and ethnic harmony, the function of influential union leaders like MC Oluomo will likely remain a subject of intense dispute and examination.

This advancement 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 substantial implications for the transportation sector and Nigeria’s wider political landscape.