Oluomo emerges NURTW national president – Leadership Newspaper

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

In a development that has triggered both event and issue throughout Nigeria’s transportation sector, Musiliu 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 took place at the Union’s Zonal Secretariat along the Osogbo/Ikirun roadway in Osun State, marks a considerable milestone in the questionable figure’s career trajectory while raising major questions about the intersection of transport 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 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 resulted in the visit 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 actually forgiven everybody who upset me, and I want those I offended would forgive me too. This is our union, and we need to be devoted to its preservation. We will not permit anybody to ruin our methods of livelihood. »

A Controversial Past

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

Claims 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 basic elections, MC Oluomo got nationwide attention for his questionable function in election-related violence and citizen intimidation.

He was recorded on video making threats versus Igbo voters in Lagos State, alerting them to either vote for the judgment All Progressives Congress (APC) or stay at home. While he later on declared the declaration was a joke made to a pal nicknamed « Iya Chukwudi, » the event resulted in widespread condemnation and calls for his arrest.

The after-effects of his dangers materialized in election day violence, where political goons supposedly conducted civil-war-era-style « eye tests » to identify Igbo voters, preventing lots of from exercising their democratic rights. These actions resulted in the development of a petition requiring global travel bans against him, mentioning his role in prompting ethnic violence.

Opposition and Concerns

The Concerned Transporters in South West of Nigeria, a group of transportation workers, has 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 style and alleged use of union resources for personal gain as significant concerns.

The group mentioned, « MC Oluomo’s leadership design is unacceptable. He used union resources for personal gain, overlooking members’ well-being. » They likewise raised concerns about his ability to successfully lead the nationwide body, indicating his history of conflicts with previous leaders and his controversial management style.

The NURTW’s Evolution

The NURTW, formed in 1978 as a follower to the Nigerian Road Transport Union, has developed from a simple trade union into an effective political force. With almost 2 million members, the union has actually become deeply embedded in Nigeria’s political landscape, typically 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 attractive partner for political stars looking for to develop control over local communities. This has resulted in changing what was initially a transport employees’ union into what some critics refer to as an advanced network for political mobilization and, sometimes, intimidation.

Political Influence and Violence

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

His methods of operation have typically been slammed for blurring the lines between genuine union activities and political thuggery. During the 2023 elections, his organization was accused of interfering with polling systems and frightening citizens, particularly those perceived to be opposition supporters.

Legal Challenges and Institutional Response

The controversial nature of MC Oluomo’s leadership has actually led to numerous legal obstacles. 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 concerns about the politicization of essential electoral procedures.

Future Implications

As MC Oluomo assumes the nationwide management of the NURTW, concerns remain about the union’s future instructions and role in Nigeria’s political landscape.

While his supporters commemorate his capability to preserve order and structure within the transportation sector, critics worry about the potential nationwide growth of what they see as a hazardous combination of transport union power and political influence.

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

As the country continues to grapple with issues of democratic consolidation and ethnic consistency, the role of prominent union leaders like MC Oluomo will likely remain a subject of intense debate and analysis.

This development 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 begins his tenure as National President, his actions will be closely viewed by supporters and critics alike, with considerable ramifications for the transport sector and Nigeria’s wider political landscape.