MC Oluomo emerges NURTW national president – The Cable

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

In an advancement that has triggered both celebration and issue 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 an agreement election by union stakeholders and delegates.

The election, which occurred at the Union’s Zonal Secretariat along the Osogbo/Ikirun roadway in Osun State, marks a substantial milestone in the questionable figure’s profession trajectory while raising severe 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– took part in the election, which saw MC Oluomo as the sole prospect.

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 likewise resulted in the consultation of Tajudeen Agbede as Vice President of South-West and Akeem Adeosun as trustee from the zone.

In his acceptance speech, MC Oluomo required unity within the union, specifying, “I have actually forgiven everyone who angered me, and I wish those I upset would forgive me also. This is our union, and we should be dedicated to its preservation. We will not permit anybody to damage our ways of income.”

A Controversial Past

Nevertheless, MC Oluomo’s ascension to the nationwide presidency features considerable luggage and debate.

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, during the 2023 general elections, MC Oluomo acquired national attention for his questionable function in election-related violence and voter intimidation.

He was captured on video making threats versus Igbo citizens in Lagos State, alerting them to either vote for the judgment All Progressives Congress (APC) or stay at home. While he later on claimed the statement was a joke made to a friend nicknamed “Iya Chukwudi,” the incident caused prevalent condemnation and calls for his arrest.

The consequences of his hazards emerged in election day violence, where political hooligans supposedly conducted civil-war-era-style “eye tests” to recognize Igbo voters, preventing many from exercising their democratic rights. These actions led to the development of a petition calling for 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 transport workers, 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 significant issues.

The group specified, “MC Oluomo’s management style is undesirable. He utilized union resources for personal gain, ignoring members’ welfare.” They also raised issues about his ability to successfully lead the national body, pointing to his history of conflicts with previous leaders and his controversial management design.

The NURTW’s Evolution

The NURTW, formed in 1978 as a successor to the Nigerian Road Transport Union, has evolved from a basic trade union into an effective political force. With almost 2 million members, the union has actually ended up being deeply embedded in Nigeria’s political landscape, typically acting as an essential grassroots mobilization tool for politicians.

The union’s structure, which extends from major cities to remote locations, has made it an appealing partner for political stars seeking to establish control over local neighborhoods. This has resulted in changing what was initially a transport workers’ 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 exhibits the complex relationship between transport unions and political power in Nigeria. As documented in numerous reports, he has been instrumental in the Southwest’s political campaigns and mobilization efforts, including significant participation in the 2018 Osun State governorship election and subsequent political contests.

His methods of operation have frequently been criticized for blurring the lines between genuine union activities and political thuggery. Throughout the 2023 elections, his company was implicated of disrupting polling systems and daunting voters, especially those viewed to be opposition supporters.

Legal Challenges and Institutional Response

The controversial nature of MC Oluomo’s leadership has caused different legal difficulties. Notable amongst these was a court order throughout the 2023 elections that prevented INEC from engaging his services to distribute election materials in Lagos State, highlighting concerns about the politicization of essential electoral processes.

Future Implications

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

While his fans commemorate his ability to preserve order and structure within the transport sector, critics fret about the potential nationwide expansion of what they see as a hazardous fusion of transportation union power and political impact.

The appointment also raises more comprehensive questions 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 come to grips with issues of democratic combination and ethnic consistency, the role of prominent union leaders like MC Oluomo will likely stay a subject of intense argument and analysis.

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

As MC Oluomo begins his period as National President, his actions will be closely viewed by fans and critics alike, with substantial implications for the transport sector and Nigeria’s wider political landscape.