MC Oluomo emerges NURTW President – Tribune Online

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

In a development that has actually triggered both celebration and issue throughout Nigeria’s transport sector, Musiliu Ayinde Akinsanya Akinsanya, widely referred to as MC Oluomo, has actually 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 occurred at the Union’s Zonal Secretariat along the Osogbo/Ikirun road in Osun State, marks a significant turning point in the controversial figure’s career 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 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 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 called for unity within the union, specifying, « I have forgiven everybody who upset me, and I wish those I offended would forgive me also. This is our union, and we should be devoted to its preservation. We will not permit anybody to damage our ways of income. »

A Controversial Past

However, MC Oluomo’s ascension to the national presidency includes significant luggage and controversy.

Accusations of violence, political intimidation, and the weaponization of transport union structures for political functions marked his tenure as the chairman of the Lagos State chapter of NURTW.

Most notably, throughout the 2023 basic elections, MC Oluomo got nationwide 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, cautioning them to either elect the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) or remain at home. While he later on declared the declaration was a joke made to a friend nicknamed « Iya Chukwudi, » the incident caused widespread condemnation and calls for his arrest.

The consequences of his hazards emerged in election day violence, where political thugs presumably conducted civil-war-era-style « eye tests » to determine Igbo voters, avoiding many from exercising their democratic rights. These actions caused the production of a petition requiring international travel bans against him, citing his function 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 style and declared use of union resources for individual gain as substantial concerns.

The group stated, « MC Oluomo’s management style is undesirable. He used union resources for personal gain, ignoring members’ well-being. » They also raised issues about his ability to successfully 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 follower to the Nigerian Road Transport Union, has evolved from a basic trade union into a powerful political force. With nearly 2 million members, the union has ended up being deeply embedded in Nigeria’s political landscape, typically functioning as an essential grassroots mobilization tool for political leaders.

The union’s structure, which extends from significant cities to remote locations, has actually made it an attractive partner for political stars looking for to develop control over regional communities. This has resulted in transforming what was originally a transportation employees’ union into what some critics describe as a sophisticated network for political mobilization and, sometimes, intimidation.

Political Influence and Violence

MC Oluomo’s increase exhibits the complex relationship in between transport unions and political power in Nigeria. As documented in various 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 actually frequently been slammed for blurring the lines in between genuine union activities and political thuggery. Throughout the 2023 elections, his organization was accused of interrupting polling units and intimidating voters, especially those viewed to be opposition fans.

Legal Challenges and Institutional Response

The questionable nature of MC Oluomo’s management has actually led to different legal challenges. Noteworthy amongst these was a court order throughout the 2023 elections that prevented INEC from engaging his services to disperse election materials in Lagos State, highlighting issues about the politicization of vital electoral processes.

Future Implications

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

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

The appointment likewise raises more comprehensive questions about the requirement for reform within Nigeria’s transportation union structure and the relationship in between labour unions and political power.

As the nation continues to face issues of democratic combination and ethnic consistency, the function of influential union leaders like MC Oluomo will likely remain a subject of intense debate and analysis.

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

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