MC Oluomo emerges NURTW President – Daily Post Nigeria

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

In a development that has actually sparked both event and concern throughout Nigeria’s transport sector, Musiliu Ayinde Akinsanya Akinsanya, popularly known as MC Oluomo, has 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 took place at the Union’s Zonal Secretariat along the Osogbo/Ikirun roadway in Osun State, marks a substantial turning point in the questionable figure’s career trajectory while raising major 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– 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 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, stating, “I have actually forgiven everybody who angered me, and I wish those I angered would forgive me too. This is our union, and we need to be dedicated to its preservation. We will not allow anybody to ruin our means of income.”

A Controversial Past

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

Allegations 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 especially, throughout the 2023 basic elections, MC Oluomo gained nationwide attention for his questionable function in election-related violence and voter intimidation.

He was captured on video making threats versus Igbo voters in Lagos State, cautioning them to either vote for the judgment 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 occurrence led to widespread condemnation and requires his arrest.

The aftermath of his dangers materialized in election day violence, where political thugs presumably performed civil-war-era-style “eye tests” to identify Igbo voters, preventing numerous from exercising their democratic rights. These actions led to the development of a petition requiring worldwide travel restrictions versus him, citing his role in inciting ethnic violence.

Opposition and Concerns

The Concerned Transporters in South West of Nigeria, a group of transportation workers, 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 questionable management design and declared use of union resources for personal gain as significant concerns.

The group specified, “MC Oluomo’s management style is inappropriate. He used union resources for personal gain, neglecting members’ welfare.” They also raised concerns about his capability to effectively lead the national 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 successor to the Nigerian Road Transport Union, has actually developed from a basic trade union into an effective political force. With almost 2 million members, the union has 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 major cities to remote areas, has made it an appealing partner for political actors looking for to develop control over local neighborhoods. This has actually resulted in transforming what was originally a transport employees’ union into what some critics refer to as a sophisticated network for political mobilization and, sometimes, intimidation.

Political Influence and Violence

MC Oluomo’s rise exhibits the complex relationship in between transportation unions and political power in Nigeria. As documented in various reports, he has actually been instrumental 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 actually typically been criticized for blurring the lines in between legitimate union activities and political thuggery. Throughout the 2023 elections, his company was accused of interfering with polling systems and frightening voters, particularly those perceived to be opposition advocates.

Legal Challenges and Institutional Response

The controversial nature of MC Oluomo’s management has actually led to numerous legal challenges. Noteworthy amongst these was a court order during the 2023 elections that prevented INEC from engaging his services to disperse election products in Lagos State, highlighting issues about the politicization of necessary electoral procedures.

Future Implications

As MC Oluomo assumes the national management of the NURTW, questions stay about the union’s future direction and role in Nigeria’s political landscape.

While his supporters commemorate his ability to preserve order and structure within the transport sector, critics stress over the prospective across the country expansion of what they view as a dangerous combination of transportation union power and political influence.

The visit likewise raises wider questions about the requirement for reform within Nigeria’s transport union structure and the relationship between labour unions and political power.

As the country continues to come to grips with issues of democratic debt consolidation and ethnic harmony, the role of prominent union leaders like MC Oluomo will likely remain a topic of extreme debate and analysis.

This advancement serves 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 processes.

As MC Oluomo begins his tenure as National President, his actions will be closely seen by fans and critics alike, with significant implications for the transportation sector and Nigeria’s broader political landscape.