MC Oluomo elected as NURTW president – Punch Newspapers

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

In a development that has triggered both celebration and concern across Nigeria’s transport sector, Musiliu Ayinde Akinsanya Akinsanya, popularly referred to as MC Oluomo, has 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 occurred at the Union’s Zonal Secretariat along the Osogbo/Ikirun roadway in Osun State, marks a considerable milestone in the controversial figure’s career trajectory while raising serious concerns about the crossway 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 procedure 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 also led to the visit 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 angered me, and I want those I angered would forgive me too. This is our union, and we must be dedicated to its conservation. We will not permit anyone to destroy our ways of livelihood.”

A Controversial Past

Nevertheless, MC Oluomo’s ascension to the nationwide presidency comes with significant baggage and controversy.

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

Most significantly, during the 2023 basic elections, MC Oluomo acquired nationwide attention for his controversial role in election-related violence and citizen intimidation.

He was captured on video making threats versus Igbo citizens in Lagos State, warning them to either choose the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) or stay at home. While he later on claimed the declaration was a joke made to a good friend nicknamed “Iya Chukwudi,” the incident led to prevalent condemnation and calls for his arrest.

The consequences of his dangers materialized in election day violence, where political punks supposedly performed civil-war-era-style “eye tests” to recognize Igbo citizens, avoiding many from exercising their democratic rights. These actions resulted in the production of a petition requiring global travel restrictions versus him, citing his function in inciting 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 questionable management style and declared use of union resources for individual gain as substantial issues.

The group stated, “MC Oluomo’s management style is undesirable. He utilized union resources for personal gain, disregarding members’ welfare.” They also raised concerns about his ability to efficiently lead the nationwide body, pointing to his history of conflicts with previous leaders and his controversial management style.

The NURTW’s Evolution

The NURTW, formed in 1978 as a follower to the Nigerian Road Transport Union, has actually developed from an easy trade union into an effective political force. With almost 2 million members, the union has actually become deeply embedded in Nigeria’s political landscape, typically acting as a crucial 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 actors seeking to develop control over regional neighborhoods. This has caused changing what was originally a transport 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 rise exemplifies the complex relationship in between transportation unions and political power in Nigeria. As recorded in numerous reports, he has been instrumental in the Southwest’s political campaigns and mobilization efforts, consisting of noteworthy involvement in the 2018 Osun State governorship election and subsequent political contests.

His methods of operation have actually typically been slammed for blurring the lines between legitimate union activities and political thuggery. During the 2023 elections, his company was accused of disrupting ballot units and intimidating voters, especially those perceived to be opposition supporters.

Legal Challenges and Institutional Response

The questionable nature of MC Oluomo’s leadership has led to numerous legal challenges. Noteworthy among these was a court order throughout the 2023 elections that prevented INEC from engaging his services to disperse election materials in Lagos State, highlighting concerns about the politicization of vital electoral procedures.

Future Implications

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

While his fans commemorate his capability to maintain order and structure within the transport sector, critics stress over the prospective nationwide growth of what they view as a dangerous combination of transport union power and political impact.

The consultation likewise raises broader 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 grapple with concerns of democratic debt consolidation and ethnic harmony, the role of prominent union leaders like MC Oluomo will likely remain a subject of intense debate and examination.

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

As MC Oluomo begins his period as National President, his actions will be carefully enjoyed by fans and critics alike, with considerable ramifications for the transport sector and Nigeria’s wider political landscape.