MC Oluomo emerges NURTW President – The Cable

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

In an advancement that has actually stimulated both celebration and concern across Nigeria’s transport sector, Musiliu Akinsanya, popularly known as 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 took place at the Union’s Zonal Secretariat along the Osogbo/Ikirun road in Osun State, marks a significant milestone in the questionable figure’s career trajectory while raising serious questions about the crossway 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 resulted in the appointment 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, stating, “I have forgiven everyone who offended me, and I wish those I upset would forgive me too. This is our union, and we must be committed to its conservation. We will not enable anyone to destroy our methods of livelihood.”

A Controversial Past

Nevertheless, MC Oluomo’s ascension to the national presidency comes with substantial luggage and controversy.

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

Most significantly, throughout the 2023 basic elections, MC Oluomo got national attention for his questionable function in election-related violence and citizen intimidation.

He was caught on video making threats versus Igbo citizens in Lagos State, warning them to either choose the judgment All Progressives Congress (APC) or stay at home. While he later on declared the statement was a joke made to a pal nicknamed “Iya Chukwudi,” the event led to widespread condemnation and calls for his arrest.

The consequences of his risks materialized in election day violence, where political thugs supposedly carried out civil-war-era-style “eye tests” to identify Igbo voters, preventing many from exercising their democratic rights. These actions caused the creation of a petition requiring 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 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 personal gain as considerable concerns.

The group specified, “MC Oluomo’s leadership style is inappropriate. He used union resources for individual gain, overlooking members’ welfare.” They likewise raised issues about his capability to effectively lead the nationwide body, indicating his history of conflicts with previous leaders and his questionable management design.

The NURTW’s Evolution

The NURTW, formed in 1978 as a follower to the Nigerian Road Transport Union, has progressed from a simple trade union into an effective political force. With almost 2 million members, the union has actually ended up being deeply embedded in Nigeria’s political landscape, often working as an essential grassroots mobilization tool for politicians.

The union’s structure, which extends from major cities to remote areas, has made it an appealing partner for political actors looking for to develop control over local neighborhoods. This has actually caused changing what was initially a transport employees’ 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 documented in different reports, he has actually contributed in the Southwest’s political campaigns and mobilization efforts, consisting of significant involvement in the 2018 Osun State governorship election and subsequent political contests.

His methods of operation have actually often been slammed for blurring the lines in between genuine union activities and political thuggery. Throughout the 2023 elections, his company was implicated of interfering with polling units and daunting citizens, especially those viewed to be opposition advocates.

Legal Challenges and Institutional Response

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

Future Implications

As MC Oluomo assumes the national leadership of the NURTW, concerns remain about the union’s future direction and function in Nigeria’s political landscape.

While his fans commemorate his capability to maintain order and structure within the transport sector, critics worry about the possible across the country expansion of what they see as a dangerous fusion of transport union power and political impact.

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

As the nation continues to grapple with concerns of democratic debt consolidation and ethnic consistency, the role of influential union leaders like MC Oluomo will likely stay a subject of extreme debate and scrutiny.

This development acts as a critical moment for reflection on the state of Nigeria’s democratic organizations and the impact of non-state stars in the nation’s political procedures.

As MC Oluomo starts his period as National President, his actions will be carefully enjoyed by advocates and critics alike, with considerable ramifications for the transport sector and Nigeria’s broader political landscape.