MC Oluomo emerges NURTW national president – Tunde Ednut

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

In an advancement that has triggered both event and concern throughout Nigeria’s transportation sector, Musiliu Akinsanya, commonly called MC Oluomo, has 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 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 severe 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– took part in the election, which saw MC Oluomo as the sole prospect.

The procedure 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 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, stating, “I have forgiven everyone who offended me, and I want those I offended would forgive me as well. This is our union, and we must be dedicated to its conservation. We will not allow anyone to ruin our means of income.”

A Controversial Past

However, MC Oluomo’s ascension to the nationwide presidency features substantial baggage and controversy.

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

Most especially, throughout the 2023 basic elections, MC Oluomo acquired nationwide attention for his controversial function in election-related violence and voter intimidation.

He was captured on video making threats against Igbo voters in Lagos State, alerting them to either choose the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) or stay at home. While he later declared the statement was a joke made to a good friend nicknamed “Iya Chukwudi,” the occurrence resulted in prevalent condemnation and calls for his arrest.

The aftermath of his risks emerged in election day violence, where political goons apparently carried out civil-war-era-style “eye tests” to recognize Igbo voters, preventing lots of from exercising their democratic rights. These actions resulted in the creation of a petition calling for global travel restrictions 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 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 leadership design and alleged use of union resources for individual gain as considerable concerns.

The group stated, “MC Oluomo’s management style is undesirable. He utilized union resources for individual gain, neglecting members’ welfare.” They likewise raised concerns about his capability to successfully lead the nationwide body, pointing to his history of conflicts with previous leaders and his controversial management design.

The NURTW’s Evolution

The NURTW, formed in 1978 as a follower to the Nigerian Road Transport Union, has evolved from an easy trade union into a powerful political force. With nearly 2 million members, the union has actually become deeply embedded in Nigeria’s political landscape, often working as a vital grassroots mobilization tool for political leaders.

The union’s structure, which extends from significant cities to remote locations, has made it an appealing partner for political actors seeking to establish control over regional neighborhoods. This has resulted in transforming what was originally a transport employees’ union into what some critics describe as an advanced network for political mobilization and, in some cases, intimidation.

Political Influence and Violence

MC Oluomo’s increase exhibits the complex relationship between transport unions and political power in Nigeria. As documented in numerous reports, he has been instrumental 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 often been criticized for blurring the lines in between genuine union activities and political thuggery. During the 2023 elections, his company was implicated of interfering with ballot systems and frightening voters, especially those perceived to be opposition fans.

Legal Challenges and Institutional Response

The questionable nature of MC Oluomo’s leadership has caused different legal difficulties. Noteworthy amongst these was a court order throughout the 2023 elections that prevented INEC from engaging his services to disperse election materials in Lagos State, highlighting concerns about the politicization of necessary electoral processes.

Future Implications

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

While his fans commemorate his capability to preserve order and structure within the transport sector, critics fret about the potential across the country expansion of what they view as an unsafe combination of transportation union power and political impact.

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

As the nation continues to come to grips with problems of democratic combination and ethnic harmony, the function of prominent union leaders like MC Oluomo will likely stay a topic of extreme dispute and analysis.

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 processes.

As MC Oluomo starts his tenure as National President, his actions will be carefully viewed by advocates and critics alike, with substantial ramifications for the transport sector and Nigeria’s wider political landscape.