MC Oluomo elected as NURTW president – Peoples Gazette Nigeria

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

In a development that has triggered both event and concern across Nigeria’s transportation sector, Musiliu Ayinde Akinsanya Akinsanya, commonly referred to as 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 controversial figure’s profession trajectory while raising serious questions 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 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 consultation of Tajudeen Agbede as Vice President of South-West and Akeem Adeosun as trustee from the zone.

In his approval speech, MC Oluomo required unity within the union, specifying, “I have forgiven everybody who upset me, and I wish those I upset would forgive me as well. This is our union, and we must be devoted to its conservation. We will not allow anyone to damage our means of livelihood.”

A Controversial Past

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

Claims 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 gained nationwide attention for his controversial function in election-related violence and voter intimidation.

He was recorded on video making threats versus Igbo citizens 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 statement was a joke made to a friend nicknamed “Iya Chukwudi,” the occurrence resulted in widespread condemnation and calls for his arrest.

The consequences of his dangers emerged in election day violence, where political punks apparently performed civil-war-era-style “eye tests” to recognize Igbo voters, avoiding numerous from exercising their democratic rights. These actions caused the development of a petition calling for global travel restrictions versus him, citing his role in prompting ethnic violence.

Opposition and Concerns

The Concerned Transporters in South West of Nigeria, a group of transport workers, has actually vehemently 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 design and declared use of union resources for personal gain as considerable issues.

The group specified, “MC Oluomo’s leadership design is unacceptable. He utilized union resources for personal gain, overlooking members’ well-being.” They also raised issues 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 successor to the Nigerian Road Transport Union, has progressed from a basic 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 functioning as a vital 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 looking for to develop control over local neighborhoods. This has led to transforming what was originally a transport workers’ union into what some critics describe as an advanced network for political mobilization and, often, 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 contributed in the Southwest’s political campaigns and mobilization efforts, consisting of noteworthy participation in the 2018 Osun State governorship election and subsequent political contests.

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

Legal Challenges and Institutional Response

The questionable nature of MC Oluomo’s leadership has actually resulted in numerous legal difficulties. Significant amongst these was a court order during the 2023 elections that avoided INEC from engaging his services to distribute election products in Lagos State, highlighting concerns about the politicization of vital electoral procedures.

Future Implications

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

While his advocates celebrate his ability to maintain order and structure within the transport sector, critics stress over the prospective across the country growth of what they view as a hazardous blend of transportation union power and political influence.

The visit also raises wider concerns about the need 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 influential union leaders like MC Oluomo will likely remain a topic of extreme dispute and examination.

This development functions 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 processes.

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