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MC Oluomo elected NURTW national president – Blueprint Newspapers Limited

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

In an advancement that has actually stimulated both celebration and concern throughout Nigeria’s transportation sector, Musiliu Akinsanya, commonly known as MC Oluomo, has actually emerged as the National President of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) following an agreement 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 considerable turning point in the controversial figure’s profession trajectory while raising severe concerns about the crossway of transportation unions and political power in Nigeria.

The Rise to Power

Delegates from four South-West states– Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, and Ekiti– participated in the election, which saw MC Oluomo as the sole candidate.

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 also resulted in the appointment 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, specifying, “I have forgiven everyone who offended me, and I wish those I upset would forgive me as well. This is our union, and we should be committed to its preservation. We will not allow anybody to destroy our methods of livelihood.”

A Controversial Past

Nevertheless, MC Oluomo’s ascension to the nationwide presidency includes substantial luggage and controversy.

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

Most notably, throughout the 2023 general elections, MC Oluomo got nationwide attention for his questionable role in election-related violence and voter intimidation.

He was recorded on video making threats versus Igbo voters in Lagos State, cautioning them to either vote for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) or stay at home. While he later on declared the declaration was a joke made to a pal nicknamed “Iya Chukwudi,” the incident led to prevalent condemnation and requires his arrest.

The consequences of his risks emerged in election day violence, where political criminals apparently conducted civil-war-era-style “eye tests” to identify Igbo voters, preventing lots of from exercising their democratic rights. These actions led to the production of a petition calling for worldwide travel restrictions against him, citing his role in prompting ethnic violence.

Opposition and Concerns

The Concerned Transporters in South West of Nigeria, a group of transportation workers, has actually emphatically opposed MC Oluomo’s rise to power. In a communique signed by Comrade Taiwo Ariyo and Alhaji Ahmed Ibrahim, the group cited his doubtful management style and alleged use of union resources for personal gain as substantial issues.

The group specified, “MC Oluomo’s management design is unacceptable. He utilized union resources for personal gain, neglecting members’ well-being.” They also raised concerns about his ability to successfully lead the nationwide body, indicating his history of conflicts with previous leaders and his questionable management design.

The NURTW’s Evolution

The NURTW, formed in 1978 as a follower 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 serving as an essential grassroots mobilization tool for politicians.

The union’s structure, which extends from major cities to remote areas, has made it an attractive partner for political actors seeking to develop control over local neighborhoods. This has actually led to transforming what was originally 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 in 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 notable 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 organization was implicated of disrupting polling systems and intimidating voters, particularly those viewed to be opposition supporters.

Legal Challenges and Institutional Response

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

Future Implications

As MC Oluomo presumes the national management of the NURTW, questions stay about the union’s future instructions and role in Nigeria’s political landscape.

While his fans celebrate his ability to keep order and structure within the transport sector, critics fret about the prospective across the country growth of what they view as an unsafe combination of transport 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 nation continues to come to grips with concerns of democratic consolidation and ethnic consistency, the function of prominent union leaders like MC Oluomo will likely stay a subject of extreme dispute and examination.

This development functions as a critical moment for reflection on the state of Nigeria’s democratic institutions and the influence of non-state actors in the nation’s political procedures.

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