MC Oluomo elected NURTW national president – Tunde Ednut

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

In an advancement that has sparked both event and issue throughout Nigeria’s transport sector, Musiliu Akinsanya, widely known as MC Oluomo, has actually emerged as 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 substantial turning point in the questionable figure’s career trajectory while raising serious questions about the intersection 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 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 also resulted in 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, mentioning, “I have forgiven everybody who angered me, and I wish those I angered would forgive me too. This is our union, and we need to be dedicated to its preservation. We will not allow anyone to destroy our means of livelihood.”

A Controversial Past

Nevertheless, MC Oluomo’s ascension to the national presidency comes with considerable 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 notably, 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 against Igbo citizens in Lagos State, warning them to either choose the judgment All Progressives Congress (APC) or remain at home. While he later declared the statement was a joke made to a good friend nicknamed “Iya Chukwudi,” the event caused extensive condemnation and requires his arrest.

The consequences of his risks materialized in election day violence, where political criminals presumably conducted civil-war-era-style “eye tests” to determine Igbo voters, avoiding numerous from exercising their democratic rights. These actions caused the creation of a petition calling for 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 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 mentioned his doubtful management style and declared use of union resources for personal gain as significant concerns.

The group specified, “MC Oluomo’s leadership design is inappropriate. He used union resources for individual gain, overlooking members’ welfare.” They likewise raised concerns about his ability to efficiently 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 developed from an easy trade union into a powerful political force. With almost 2 million members, the union has actually ended up being deeply embedded in Nigeria’s political landscape, frequently functioning as a crucial grassroots mobilization tool for politicians.

The union’s structure, which extends from major cities to remote areas, has actually made it an attractive partner for political actors seeking to develop control over local communities. This has actually resulted in changing what was initially a transportation employees’ union into what some critics refer to as a sophisticated network for political mobilization and, sometimes, intimidation.

Political Influence and Violence

MC Oluomo’s rise exemplifies the complex relationship between transportation unions and political power in Nigeria. As documented in numerous reports, he has actually been instrumental in the Southwest’s political campaigns and mobilization efforts, including 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 between legitimate union activities and political thuggery. During the 2023 elections, his company was implicated of interfering with polling systems and intimidating citizens, particularly those viewed to be opposition advocates.

Legal Challenges and Institutional Response

The controversial nature of MC Oluomo’s leadership has actually resulted in various legal difficulties. Noteworthy amongst these was a court order during the 2023 elections that avoided INEC from engaging his services to disperse election materials in Lagos State, highlighting concerns about the politicization of essential electoral processes.

Future Implications

As MC Oluomo presumes the nationwide leadership of the NURTW, questions stay about the union’s future direction and function in Nigeria’s political landscape.

While his fans celebrate his capability to keep order and structure within the transportation sector, critics stress over the potential nationwide expansion of what they view as an unsafe combination of transportation union power and political impact.

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

As the country continues to grapple with concerns of democratic consolidation and ethnic harmony, the function of prominent union leaders like MC Oluomo will likely stay a topic of intense argument and scrutiny.

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

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