Oluomo emerges NURTW national president – Guardian Newspaper

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

In a development that has actually triggered both event and concern throughout Nigeria’s transportation sector, Musiliu Ayinde Akinsanya Akinsanya, commonly 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 road in Osun State, marks a considerable turning point in the controversial figure’s profession trajectory while raising serious concerns about the crossway of transport 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 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 likewise led to 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 called for unity within the union, mentioning, “I have forgiven everyone who offended me, and I wish those I upset would forgive me as well. This is our union, and we need to be devoted to its preservation. We will not enable anyone to destroy our ways of livelihood.”

A Controversial Past

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

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

Most notably, throughout the 2023 basic elections, MC Oluomo got nationwide attention for his controversial function in election-related violence and voter intimidation.

He was captured on video making threats against Igbo voters in Lagos State, cautioning them to either choose the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) or stay at home. While he later claimed the declaration was a joke made to a pal nicknamed “Iya Chukwudi,” the incident resulted in widespread condemnation and requires his arrest.

The consequences of his threats materialized in election day violence, where political criminals allegedly conducted civil-war-era-style “eye tests” to identify Igbo voters, preventing lots of from exercising their democratic rights. These actions resulted in the production of a petition calling for international travel bans against him, mentioning his role in prompting 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 mentioned his doubtful leadership style and declared use of union resources for individual gain as significant concerns.

The group mentioned, “MC Oluomo’s leadership style is inappropriate. He utilized union resources for individual gain, disregarding members’ welfare.” They likewise raised issues about his ability to efficiently lead the nationwide body, pointing to 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 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, often serving as a crucial grassroots mobilization tool for political leaders.

The union’s structure, which extends from significant cities to remote locations, has made it an appealing partner for political actors seeking to develop control over local neighborhoods. This has actually caused transforming what was initially a transportation employees’ union into what some critics refer to as an advanced network for political mobilization and, sometimes, intimidation.

Political Influence and Violence

MC Oluomo’s increase exhibits the complex relationship between transport unions and political power in Nigeria. As recorded in different 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 actually frequently been slammed for blurring the lines in between legitimate union activities and political thuggery. During the 2023 elections, his company was implicated of interfering with polling systems and frightening citizens, particularly those viewed to be opposition advocates.

Legal Challenges and Institutional Response

The questionable nature of MC Oluomo’s leadership has actually led to different legal difficulties. Noteworthy 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 issues about the politicization of necessary electoral procedures.

Future Implications

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

While his fans commemorate his capability to maintain order and structure within the transportation sector, critics stress over the prospective across the country expansion of what they view as a hazardous fusion of transport union power and political impact.

The visit also raises broader concerns about the requirement 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 consolidation and ethnic consistency, the function of prominent union leaders like MC Oluomo will likely stay a subject of intense argument and examination.

This advancement functions as a defining moment for reflection on the state of Nigeria’s democratic organizations and the impact of non-state stars in the nation’s political processes.

As MC Oluomo starts his tenure as National President, his actions will be closely enjoyed by fans and critics alike, with considerable implications for the transport sector and Nigeria’s more comprehensive political landscape.