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MC Oluomo emerges NURTW President – Leadership Newspaper

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

In a development that has triggered both event and issue throughout Nigeria’s transportation sector, Musiliu Akinsanya, commonly referred to 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 road in Osun State, marks a substantial milestone in the questionable figure’s profession trajectory while raising major concerns about the intersection of transport 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 prospect.

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 likewise resulted in the consultation of Tajudeen Agbede as Vice President of South-West and Akeem Adeosun as trustee from the zone.

In his acceptance speech, MC Oluomo required unity within the union, stating, “I have actually forgiven everyone who upset me, and I wish those I offended would forgive me too. This is our union, and we must be committed to its preservation. We will not enable anyone to damage our methods of livelihood.”

A Controversial Past

Nevertheless, MC Oluomo’s ascension to the nationwide presidency features substantial luggage and debate.

Accusations 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, during the 2023 basic elections, MC Oluomo got national 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 elect the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) or stay at home. While he later on declared the statement was a joke made to a friend nicknamed “Iya Chukwudi,” the event caused widespread condemnation and calls for his arrest.

The after-effects of his risks emerged in election day violence, where political thugs presumably carried out civil-war-era-style “eye tests” to determine Igbo citizens, avoiding numerous from exercising their democratic rights. These actions resulted in the production of a petition requiring international travel bans against him, citing his role in inciting ethnic violence.

Opposition and Concerns

The Concerned Transporters in South West of Nigeria, a group of transportation workers, 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 leadership style and declared use of union resources for individual gain as significant concerns.

The group mentioned, “MC Oluomo’s management design is inappropriate. He used union resources for personal gain, ignoring members’ welfare.” They also raised concerns about his capability to effectively 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 successor to the Nigerian Road Transport Union, has developed from a basic trade union into a powerful political force. With nearly 2 million members, the union has actually become deeply embedded in Nigeria’s political landscape, typically serving as an important grassroots mobilization tool for political leaders.

The union’s structure, which extends from significant cities to remote areas, has actually made it an appealing partner for political stars seeking to establish control over local neighborhoods. This has caused transforming what was originally a transport workers’ union into what some critics describe as a sophisticated 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 different reports, he has actually contributed in the Southwest’s political campaigns and mobilization efforts, including notable involvement in the 2018 Osun State governorship election and subsequent political contests.

His methods of operation have typically been slammed for blurring the lines in between legitimate union activities and political thuggery. During the 2023 elections, his organization was implicated of interrupting ballot units and frightening voters, particularly those perceived to be opposition supporters.

Legal Challenges and Institutional Response

The controversial nature of MC Oluomo’s management has actually led to numerous legal obstacles. Significant among 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 essential electoral procedures.

Future Implications

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

While his advocates celebrate his capability to maintain order and structure within the transport sector, critics stress over the prospective nationwide expansion of what they view as a dangerous combination of transport union power and political influence.

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

As the nation continues to come to grips with issues of democratic consolidation and ethnic harmony, the role of influential union leaders like MC Oluomo will likely remain a topic of extreme dispute and examination.

This development serves 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 begins his period as National President, his actions will be carefully seen by advocates and critics alike, with substantial implications for the transportation sector and Nigeria’s broader political landscape.