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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 triggered both celebration and concern throughout Nigeria’s transportation sector, Musiliu Akinsanya, popularly called 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 took place at the Union’s Zonal Secretariat along the Osogbo/Ikirun road in Osun State, marks a considerable milestone in the controversial figure’s profession trajectory while raising severe questions about the crossway of transport 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 candidate.

The process 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 likewise resulted in 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 called for unity within the union, mentioning, “I have forgiven everybody who upset 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 anybody to ruin our ways of livelihood.”

A Controversial Past

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

Accusations 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 especially, throughout the 2023 general elections, MC Oluomo acquired nationwide attention for his questionable role 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 event caused extensive condemnation and calls for his arrest.

The after-effects of his risks materialized in election day violence, where political thugs supposedly carried out civil-war-era-style “eye tests” to recognize Igbo citizens, avoiding lots of from exercising their democratic rights. These actions resulted in the production 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 actually 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 design and alleged use of union resources for personal gain as considerable concerns.

The group specified, “MC Oluomo’s leadership style is undesirable. He utilized union resources for personal gain, disregarding members’ well-being.” They also raised issues about his ability to effectively lead the national 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 successor to the Nigerian Road Transport Union, has actually evolved from a simple trade union into a powerful political force. With nearly 2 million members, the union has become deeply embedded in Nigeria’s political landscape, frequently acting 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 attractive partner for political stars seeking to establish control over regional communities. This has actually caused transforming what was initially a transport employees’ union into what some critics refer to as an advanced network for political mobilization and, in some cases, intimidation.

Political Influence and Violence

MC Oluomo’s rise exemplifies the complex relationship between transport unions and political power in Nigeria. As recorded in different reports, he has actually contributed in the Southwest’s political campaigns and mobilization efforts, consisting of notable involvement in the 2018 Osun State governorship election and subsequent political contests.

His methods of operation have actually often been criticized for blurring the lines in between legitimate union activities and political thuggery. Throughout the 2023 elections, his organization was accused of interfering with ballot units and frightening citizens, particularly those viewed to be opposition fans.

Legal Challenges and Institutional Response

The controversial nature of MC Oluomo‘s management has actually resulted in numerous legal challenges. Notable among these was a court order during the 2023 elections that prevented INEC from engaging his services to distribute election products in Lagos State, highlighting concerns about the politicization of necessary electoral procedures.

Future Implications

As MC Oluomo assumes the nationwide leadership of the NURTW, questions stay about the union’s future instructions and role in Nigeria’s political landscape.

While his fans commemorate his ability to keep order and structure within the transport sector, critics fret about the possible nationwide growth of what they view as an unsafe blend of transportation union power and political impact.

The consultation also raises more comprehensive questions about the need for reform within Nigeria’s transport union structure and the relationship between labour unions and political power.

As the nation continues to grapple with issues of democratic combination and ethnic harmony, the function of prominent union leaders like MC Oluomo will likely stay a topic of intense argument and examination.

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

As MC Oluomo starts his period as National President, his actions will be carefully seen by advocates and critics alike, with significant implications for the transportation sector and Nigeria’s wider political landscape.