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MC Oluomo elected NURTW national president – Blueprint Newspapers Limited
MC Oluomo’s Controversial Rise: From Transport Union Leader to National NURTW President
In a development that has actually triggered both event and concern across Nigeria’s transport sector, Musiliu Akinsanya, popularly called MC Oluomo, has actually 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 occurred at the Union’s Zonal Secretariat along the Osogbo/Ikirun road in Osun State, marks a substantial milestone in the controversial figure’s career trajectory while raising severe questions about the intersection of transportation 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 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 visit 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, mentioning, “I have actually forgiven everyone who upset me, and I wish those I angered would forgive me too. This is our union, and we should be dedicated to its preservation. We will not permit anyone to destroy our means of income.”
A Controversial Past
Nevertheless, MC Oluomo’s ascension to the nationwide presidency features significant baggage and controversy.
Allegations 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 basic elections, MC Oluomo got national attention for his questionable function in election-related violence and voter intimidation.
He was caught on video making threats against Igbo voters in Lagos State, warning them to either choose the judgment All Progressives Congress (APC) or remain at home. While he later on claimed the declaration was a joke made to a friend nicknamed “Iya Chukwudi,” the incident resulted in extensive condemnation and requires his arrest.
The consequences of his threats emerged in election day violence, where political punks supposedly performed civil-war-era-style “eye tests” to identify Igbo voters, avoiding numerous from exercising their democratic rights. These actions resulted in the production of a petition requiring global travel bans against him, citing his role in inciting ethnic violence.
Opposition and Concerns
The Concerned Transporters in South West of Nigeria, a group of transportation employees, 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 management style and declared use of union resources for individual gain as significant concerns.
The group stated, “MC Oluomo’s management design is inappropriate. He used union resources for personal gain, ignoring members’ well-being.” They likewise raised concerns about his ability to efficiently lead the nationwide body, indicating 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 developed 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 working as a crucial grassroots mobilization tool for politicians.
The union’s structure, which extends from major cities to remote locations, has actually made it an appealing partner for political stars looking for to develop control over regional neighborhoods. This has led to changing what was originally a transport employees’ union into what some critics refer to 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 recorded in different reports, he has contributed in the Southwest’s political campaigns and mobilization efforts, including notable involvement in the 2018 Osun State governorship election and subsequent political contests.
His methods of operation have actually typically been criticized for blurring the lines between legitimate union activities and political thuggery. Throughout the 2023 elections, his organization was implicated of interrupting ballot systems and frightening citizens, particularly those viewed to be opposition supporters.
Legal Challenges and Institutional Response
The controversial nature of MC Oluomo’s management has actually resulted in various legal difficulties. Notable amongst these was a court order throughout the 2023 elections that avoided INEC from engaging his services to distribute election products in Lagos State, highlighting concerns about the politicization of essential electoral processes.
Future Implications
As MC Oluomo assumes the national management of the NURTW, questions remain about the union’s future direction and function in Nigeria’s political landscape.
While his supporters celebrate his capability to keep order and structure within the transportation sector, critics stress over the potential across the country growth of what they view as an unsafe blend of transportation union power and political influence.
The consultation also raises wider questions about the need for reform within Nigeria’s transport union structure and the relationship between labour unions and political power.
As the country continues to face concerns of democratic combination and ethnic consistency, the role of influential union leaders like MC Oluomo will likely remain a topic of extreme dispute and analysis.
This development works as a defining moment for reflection on the state of Nigeria’s democratic institutions and the influence of non-state stars in the nation’s political processes.
As MC Oluomo begins his period as National President, his actions will be closely seen by supporters and critics alike, with significant ramifications for the transport sector and Nigeria’s wider political landscape.