MC Oluomo elected NURTW National President – Pulse Nigeria

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

In a development that has actually triggered both event and concern across Nigeria’s transport sector, Musiliu Ayinde Akinsanya Akinsanya, widely referred to as MC Oluomo, has 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 occurred at the Union’s Zonal Secretariat along the Osogbo/Ikirun roadway in Osun State, marks a substantial milestone in the controversial figure’s profession 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– participated in the election, which saw MC Oluomo as the sole candidate.

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 led to 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 called for unity within the union, stating, “I have forgiven everyone who angered me, and I want those I angered would forgive me also. This is our union, and we must be dedicated to its preservation. We will not allow anybody to damage our ways of income.”

A Controversial Past

However, MC Oluomo’s ascension to the national presidency comes with significant baggage and debate.

Claims 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 controversial function in election-related violence and voter intimidation.

He was captured on video making threats versus Igbo citizens in Lagos State, alerting 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 friend nicknamed “Iya Chukwudi,” the event led to extensive condemnation and calls for his arrest.

The after-effects of his hazards materialized in election day violence, where political hooligans allegedly conducted civil-war-era-style “eye tests” to identify Igbo citizens, preventing many from exercising their democratic rights. These actions led to the development of a petition requiring international travel restrictions versus him, mentioning his function in inciting 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 leadership style and alleged use of union resources for individual gain as substantial concerns.

The group specified, “MC Oluomo’s management style is inappropriate. He utilized union resources for personal gain, disregarding members’ welfare.” They likewise raised concerns about his capability to efficiently lead the national body, indicating 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 actually progressed from a simple trade union into a powerful political force. With nearly 2 million members, the union has ended up being deeply embedded in Nigeria’s political landscape, frequently acting as an essential grassroots mobilization tool for political leaders.

The union’s structure, which extends from major cities to remote areas, has made it an attractive partner for political stars looking for to develop control over local communities. 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, in some cases, intimidation.

Political Influence and Violence

MC Oluomo’s increase exemplifies the complex relationship in 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 noteworthy participation in the 2018 Osun State governorship election and subsequent political contests.

His methods of operation have frequently been criticized for blurring the lines between genuine union activities and political thuggery. Throughout the 2023 elections, his organization was accused of interrupting ballot units and intimidating citizens, 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 obstacles. Significant among these was a court order throughout the 2023 elections that prevented INEC from engaging his services to disperse election products in Lagos State, highlighting issues about the politicization of vital electoral procedures.

Future Implications

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

While his advocates commemorate his capability to maintain order and structure within the transportation sector, critics fret about the prospective nationwide expansion of what they see as a hazardous blend of transport union power and political influence.

The consultation also raises more comprehensive concerns 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 come to grips with problems of democratic consolidation and ethnic consistency, the role of prominent union leaders like MC Oluomo will likely remain a topic of extreme argument and scrutiny.

This advancement 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 watched by advocates and critics alike, with substantial implications for the transportation sector and Nigeria’s more comprehensive political landscape.