NURTW

MC Oluomo emerges NURTW national president – Tunde Ednut

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

In a development that has stimulated both event and issue throughout 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 road in Osun State, marks a substantial turning point in the questionable 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 four 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 upset me, and I wish those I upset would forgive me too. This is our union, and we should be devoted to its preservation. We will not permit anybody to destroy our ways of income.”

A Controversial Past

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

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

Most notably, during the 2023 general elections, MC Oluomo gained national attention for his controversial role in election-related violence and citizen intimidation.

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

The aftermath of his hazards emerged in election day violence, where political criminals apparently carried out civil-war-era-style “eye tests” to determine Igbo voters, avoiding lots of from exercising their democratic rights. These actions resulted in the production of a petition requiring global travel bans against him, mentioning his role in inciting ethnic violence.

Opposition and Concerns

The Concerned Transporters in South West of Nigeria, a group of transportation workers, has actually vehemently opposed MC Oluomo’s rise to power. In a communique signed by Comrade Taiwo Ariyo and Alhaji Ahmed Ibrahim, the group cited his questionable leadership design and declared use of union resources for personal gain as significant issues.

The group specified, “MC Oluomo’s leadership style is undesirable. He used union resources for personal gain, ignoring members’ welfare.” They also raised issues about his capability to successfully lead the nationwide body, pointing to 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 progressed from an easy trade union into a powerful political force. With nearly 2 million members, the union has become deeply embedded in Nigeria’s political landscape, typically working as a crucial grassroots mobilization tool for political leaders.

The union’s structure, which extends from major cities to remote locations, has made it an appealing partner for political stars looking for to establish control over regional communities. This has resulted in changing what was originally a transportation workers’ union into what some critics describe as an advanced 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 numerous reports, he has been instrumental in the Southwest’s political campaigns and mobilization efforts, consisting of significant involvement in the 2018 Osun State governorship election and subsequent political contests.

His methods of operation have actually often been slammed for blurring the lines between genuine union activities and political thuggery. Throughout the 2023 elections, his company was implicated of interfering with ballot units and intimidating citizens, particularly those perceived to be opposition fans.

Legal Challenges and Institutional Response

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

Future Implications

As MC Oluomo assumes the national management of the NURTW, concerns remain about the union’s future instructions and function in Nigeria’s political landscape.

While his advocates commemorate his capability to preserve order and structure within the transport sector, critics stress over the prospective nationwide growth of what they view as a harmful blend of transportation union power and political influence.

The visit also raises more comprehensive concerns about the need for reform within Nigeria’s transportation union structure and the relationship in between labour unions and political power.

As the country continues to grapple with problems of democratic consolidation and ethnic harmony, the role of prominent union leaders like MC Oluomo will likely remain a subject of intense argument and analysis.

This advancement serves as a critical moment for reflection on the state of Nigeria’s democratic organizations and the influence of non-state stars in the country’s political processes.

As MC Oluomo starts his tenure as National President, his actions will be closely viewed by fans and critics alike, with substantial ramifications for the transport sector and Nigeria’s broader political landscape.