MC Oluomo elected NURTW National President – Vanguard News
MC Oluomo’s Controversial Rise: From Transport Union Leader to National NURTW President
In a development that has sparked both event and concern across Nigeria’s transportation 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 happened at the Union’s Zonal Secretariat along the Osogbo/Ikirun roadway in Osun State, marks a significant turning point in the questionable figure’s career trajectory while raising major questions about the intersection of transport unions and political power in Nigeria.
The Rise to Power
Delegates from four South-West states– Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, and Ekiti– took part in the election, which saw MC Oluomo as the sole candidate.
The procedure 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 led to 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, mentioning, “I have forgiven everybody who offended me, and I want those I upset would forgive me also. This is our union, and we should be committed to its conservation. We will not permit anybody to ruin our means of income.”
A Controversial Past
Nevertheless, MC Oluomo’s ascension to the national presidency includes substantial baggage and controversy.
Claims of violence, political intimidation, and the weaponization of transport union structures for political functions marked his period as the chairman of the Lagos State chapter of NURTW.
Most especially, during the 2023 general elections, MC Oluomo gained nationwide attention for his questionable function in election-related violence and citizen intimidation.
He was captured on video making threats versus Igbo citizens in Lagos State, alerting them to either elect the judgment All Progressives Congress (APC) or remain at home. While he later on declared the statement was a joke made to a pal nicknamed “Iya Chukwudi,” the occurrence caused prevalent condemnation and calls for his arrest.
The after-effects of his dangers emerged in election day violence, where political punks supposedly performed civil-war-era-style “eye tests” to determine Igbo citizens, preventing lots of from exercising their democratic rights. These actions caused the development of a petition requiring worldwide travel restrictions versus him, mentioning his role in inciting ethnic violence.
Opposition and Concerns
The Concerned Transporters in South West of Nigeria, a group of transportation 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 management design and alleged use of union resources for personal gain as significant issues.
The group specified, “MC Oluomo’s leadership design is inappropriate. He used union resources for individual gain, neglecting members’ well-being.” They likewise raised concerns about his ability to efficiently lead the national body, indicating his history of conflicts with previous leaders and his questionable management style.
The NURTW’s Evolution
The NURTW, formed in 1978 as a follower to the Nigerian Road Transport Union, has actually progressed from a simple trade union into an effective political force. With almost 2 million members, the union has become deeply embedded in Nigeria’s political landscape, frequently working as an important 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 communities. This has caused changing what was initially a transport workers’ union into what some critics describe as a sophisticated network for political mobilization and, often, intimidation.
Political Influence and Violence
MC Oluomo’s rise exemplifies the complex relationship between transportation unions and political power in Nigeria. As documented in different reports, he has actually contributed in the Southwest’s political campaigns and mobilization efforts, including noteworthy involvement in the 2018 Osun State governorship election and subsequent political contests.
His methods of operation have actually frequently been slammed for blurring the lines between legitimate union activities and political thuggery. Throughout the 2023 elections, his company was accused of interrupting polling systems and daunting citizens, especially those viewed to be opposition fans.
Legal Challenges and Institutional Response
The questionable nature of MC Oluomo’s management has led to various legal challenges. Notable among 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 important electoral processes.
Future Implications
As MC Oluomo presumes the national leadership of the NURTW, concerns stay about the union’s future direction and function in Nigeria’s political landscape.
While his fans commemorate his ability to maintain order and structure within the transportation sector, critics fret about the prospective nationwide growth of what they see as a dangerous combination of transportation union power and political influence.
The consultation also raises more comprehensive concerns about the requirement for reform within Nigeria’s transportation union structure and the relationship between labour unions and political power.
As the nation continues to grapple with issues of democratic debt consolidation and ethnic consistency, the role of influential union leaders like MC Oluomo will likely remain a subject of extreme argument and examination.
This development acts as a defining moment for reflection on the state of Nigeria’s democratic institutions and the impact of non-state actors in the nation’s political processes.
As MC Oluomo begins his period as National President, his actions will be closely viewed by advocates and critics alike, with significant ramifications for the transportation sector and Nigeria’s wider political landscape.
