MC Oluomo elected NURTW national president - Blueprint Newspapers Limited

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

In a development that has sparked both celebration and issue throughout Nigeria's transportation sector, Musiliu Akinsanya, popularly known as 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 road in Osun State, marks a considerable turning point 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 4 South-West states-- Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, and Ekiti-- took part in the election, which saw MC Oluomo as the sole candidate.

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 also resulted in the appointment 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 angered me, and I wish those I angered would forgive me as well. This is our union, and we must be devoted to its preservation. We will not enable anyone to destroy our methods of income."

A Controversial Past

However, MC Oluomo's ascension to the national presidency features significant baggage and debate.

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 significantly, during the 2023 general elections, MC Oluomo acquired nationwide attention for his controversial role in election-related violence and citizen intimidation.

He was caught on video making threats against Igbo citizens in Lagos State, warning them to either elect the judgment All Progressives Congress (APC) or remain at home. While he later claimed the statement was a joke made to a friend nicknamed "Iya Chukwudi," the incident resulted in extensive condemnation and calls for his arrest.

The aftermath of his dangers materialized in election day violence, where political thugs presumably carried out civil-war-era-style "eye tests" to determine Igbo citizens, avoiding numerous from exercising their democratic rights. These actions caused the development of a petition calling for worldwide travel restrictions versus him, mentioning his role in prompting ethnic violence.

Opposition and Concerns

The Concerned Transporters in South West of Nigeria, a group of transportation employees, has actually vehemently opposed MC Oluomo's rise to power. In a communique signed by Comrade Taiwo Ariyo and Alhaji Ahmed Ibrahim, the group cited his doubtful management design and declared use of union resources for individual gain as substantial issues.

The group mentioned, "MC Oluomo's management style is inappropriate. He utilized union resources for personal gain, ignoring members' well-being." They likewise raised concerns about his capability to effectively lead the national body, pointing to his history of conflicts with previous leaders and his questionable management design.

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 become deeply embedded in Nigeria's political landscape, frequently working as an important 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 stars looking for to establish control over regional communities. This has actually resulted in transforming what was initially a transportation workers' union into what some critics describe as a sophisticated network for political mobilization and, sometimes, intimidation.

Political Influence and Violence

MC Oluomo's rise exemplifies the complex relationship in between transport 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 involvement in the 2018 Osun State governorship election and subsequent political contests.

His methods of operation have typically been slammed for blurring the lines in between legitimate union activities and political thuggery. Throughout the 2023 elections, his organization was implicated of interrupting ballot units and intimidating voters, particularly those perceived to be opposition fans.

Legal Challenges and Institutional Response

The questionable nature of MC Oluomo's leadership has led to numerous legal obstacles. Notable 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 concerns about the politicization of necessary electoral processes.

Future Implications

As MC Oluomo presumes the national management of the NURTW, questions remain about the union's future instructions and role in Nigeria's political landscape.

While his fans celebrate his capability to maintain order and structure within the transport sector, critics stress over the prospective across the country growth of what they view as an unsafe combination of transportation union power and political impact.

The consultation also raises broader concerns about the requirement 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 consolidation and ethnic harmony, the function of influential union leaders like MC Oluomo will likely stay a subject of extreme debate and analysis.

This advancement serves 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 processes.

As MC Oluomo starts his period as National President, his actions will be closely viewed by advocates and critics alike, with significant implications for the transport sector and Nigeria's more comprehensive political landscape.