MC Oluomo elected NURTW National President – TheCable

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

In an advancement that has sparked both celebration and issue across Nigeria’s transportation sector, Musiliu Ayinde Akinsanya Akinsanya, commonly known as MC Oluomo, has actually become the National President of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) following an agreement election by union stakeholders and delegates.

The election, which happened at the Union’s Zonal Secretariat along the Osogbo/Ikirun roadway in Osun State, marks a substantial milestone in the controversial 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 4 South-West states– Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, and Ekiti– participated in the election, which saw MC Oluomo as the sole prospect.

The process was monitored 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 led to 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 called for unity within the union, stating, “I have actually forgiven everyone who offended me, and I want those I angered would forgive me also. This is our union, and we should be committed to its conservation. We will not permit anyone to ruin our methods of livelihood.”

A Controversial Past

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

Accusations 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 significantly, during the 2023 basic elections, MC Oluomo got national attention for his questionable role in election-related violence and voter intimidation.

He was captured on video making threats against Igbo voters in Lagos State, warning them to either elect the judgment All Progressives Congress (APC) or stay at home. While he later on declared the statement was a joke made to a buddy nicknamed “Iya Chukwudi,” the incident led to extensive condemnation and requires his arrest.

The consequences of his hazards emerged in election day violence, where political hooligans allegedly carried out civil-war-era-style “eye tests” to identify Igbo citizens, avoiding lots of from exercising their democratic rights. These actions led to the production of a petition requiring worldwide travel restrictions versus him, mentioning his role in inciting ethnic violence.

Opposition and Concerns

The Concerned Transporters in South West of Nigeria, a group of transport workers, has 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 leadership style and declared use of union resources for individual gain as substantial issues.

The group stated, “MC Oluomo’s management style is unacceptable. He utilized union resources for individual gain, disregarding members’ welfare.” They also raised issues about his ability to successfully lead the national 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 evolved from a simple trade union into a powerful political force. With almost 2 million members, the union has ended up being deeply embedded in Nigeria’s political landscape, frequently working as an essential grassroots mobilization tool for politicians.

The union’s structure, which extends from significant cities to remote areas, has made it an appealing partner for political stars looking for to establish control over local neighborhoods. This has led to transforming what was originally a transport employees’ union into what some critics describe as a sophisticated network for political mobilization and, often, intimidation.

Political Influence and Violence

MC Oluomo’s increase exemplifies the complex relationship between transportation unions and political power in Nigeria. As documented in various reports, he has actually contributed 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 often been slammed for blurring the lines in between legitimate union activities and political thuggery. Throughout the 2023 elections, his company was accused of interrupting polling systems and daunting voters, especially those perceived to be opposition advocates.

Legal Challenges and Institutional Response

The controversial nature of MC Oluomo’s management has actually resulted in different legal challenges. Notable amongst these was a court order throughout the 2023 elections that avoided INEC from engaging his services to distribute election products in Lagos State, highlighting concerns about the politicization of vital electoral processes.

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 supporters commemorate his ability to maintain order and structure within the transportation sector, critics stress over the possible across the country growth of what they view as a harmful fusion of transportation union power and political influence.

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

As the country continues to come to grips with concerns of democratic combination and ethnic harmony, the function of prominent union leaders like MC Oluomo will likely remain a subject of intense dispute and analysis.

This advancement works as a defining moment for reflection on the state of Nigeria’s democratic organizations and the impact of non-state actors in the nation’s political procedures.

As MC Oluomo begins his tenure as National President, his actions will be closely viewed by advocates and critics alike, with substantial ramifications for the transportation sector and Nigeria’s more comprehensive political landscape.