MC Oluomo elected as NURTW president – Vanguard News

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

In an advancement that has actually sparked both celebration and issue across Nigeria’s transportation sector, Musiliu Ayinde Akinsanya Akinsanya, commonly called 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 turning point in the questionable figure’s profession trajectory while raising severe concerns about the intersection 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 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 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, specifying, “I have actually forgiven everybody who upset me, and I want those I upset would forgive me also. This is our union, and we need to be dedicated to its conservation. We will not permit anyone to destroy our means of income.”

A Controversial Past

Nevertheless, MC Oluomo’s ascension to the national presidency includes considerable baggage and debate.

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

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

He was recorded on video making threats against Igbo citizens in Lagos State, cautioning them to either choose the judgment All Progressives Congress (APC) or stay at home. While he later claimed the declaration was a joke made to a friend nicknamed “Iya Chukwudi,” the occurrence resulted in prevalent condemnation and requires his arrest.

The after-effects of his dangers materialized in election day violence, where political punks allegedly conducted civil-war-era-style “eye tests” to recognize Igbo voters, avoiding lots of from exercising their democratic rights. These actions resulted in the development of a petition requiring global 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 transport 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 management style and alleged use of union resources for individual gain as considerable concerns.

The group specified, “MC Oluomo’s management design is inappropriate. He utilized union resources for individual gain, ignoring members’ well-being.” They also raised issues about his ability to effectively 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 successor to the Nigerian Road Transport Union, has progressed from an easy trade union into an effective political force. With almost 2 million members, the union has ended up being deeply embedded in Nigeria’s political landscape, typically working 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 appealing partner for political actors looking for to establish control over regional neighborhoods. This has actually caused changing what was originally a transportation workers’ union into what some critics describe as an advanced 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 contributed in the Southwest’s political campaigns and mobilization efforts, including noteworthy participation in the 2018 Osun State governorship election and subsequent political contests.

His methods of operation have actually typically been slammed for blurring the lines between legitimate union activities and political thuggery. Throughout the 2023 elections, his organization was accused of disrupting ballot units and frightening citizens, particularly those perceived to be opposition fans.

Legal Challenges and Institutional Response

The questionable nature of MC Oluomo’s leadership has actually led to different legal obstacles. Notable amongst these was a court order throughout the 2023 elections that prevented INEC from engaging his services to distribute election products in Lagos State, highlighting concerns about the politicization of necessary electoral processes.

Future Implications

As MC Oluomo presumes the national 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 maintain order and structure within the transportation sector, critics fret about the possible across the country expansion of what they view as a hazardous combination of transport union power and political impact.

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

As the country 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 topic of extreme dispute and examination.

This advancement functions 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 procedures.

As MC Oluomo starts his period as National President, his actions will be closely enjoyed by fans and critics alike, with significant implications for the transportation sector and Nigeria’s wider political landscape.