MC Oluomo elected as NURTW president - ThisDayLive

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

In a development that has sparked both celebration and concern throughout Nigeria's transport sector, Musiliu Akinsanya, popularly called 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 occurred 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 serious 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-- participated 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 also led to the visit 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 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 ruin our methods of livelihood."

A Controversial Past

However, MC Oluomo's ascension to the national presidency comes with significant baggage and debate.

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 general elections, MC Oluomo got national attention for his questionable function in election-related violence and citizen intimidation.

He was recorded on video making threats versus Igbo citizens in Lagos State, warning them to either elect the judgment All Progressives Congress (APC) or remain at home. While he later declared the statement was a joke made to a pal nicknamed "Iya Chukwudi," the event led to extensive condemnation and calls for his arrest.

The aftermath of his dangers materialized in election day violence, where political punks apparently conducted civil-war-era-style "eye tests" to identify Igbo citizens, avoiding numerous from exercising their democratic rights. These actions caused the creation of a petition calling for international travel bans versus 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 emphatically 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 design and declared use of union resources for individual gain as considerable issues.

The group mentioned, "MC Oluomo's leadership style is unacceptable. He utilized union resources for personal gain, overlooking members' well-being." They likewise raised concerns about his ability to successfully lead the national body, indicating his history of conflicts with previous leaders and his controversial management style.

The NURTW's Evolution

The NURTW, formed in 1978 as a follower to the Nigerian Road Transport Union, has progressed from a simple trade union into an effective political force. With almost 2 million members, the union has actually become deeply embedded in Nigeria's political landscape, often functioning as an important grassroots mobilization tool for politicians.

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

Political Influence and Violence

MC Oluomo's increase exhibits the complex relationship in between transport unions and political power in Nigeria. As recorded in numerous reports, he has actually contributed in the Southwest's political campaigns and mobilization efforts, consisting of significant participation in the 2018 Osun State governorship election and subsequent political contests.

His methods of operation have actually typically been slammed for blurring the lines between genuine union activities and political thuggery. During the 2023 elections, his company was implicated of interrupting ballot units and daunting voters, particularly those viewed to be opposition fans.

Legal Challenges and Institutional Response

The controversial nature of MC Oluomo's leadership has actually caused numerous legal obstacles. Significant amongst these was a court order during the 2023 elections that avoided INEC from engaging his services to distribute election materials in Lagos State, highlighting issues about the politicization of necessary electoral processes.

Future Implications

As MC Oluomo assumes the nationwide management of the NURTW, questions stay about the union's future direction and role in Nigeria's political landscape.

While his fans commemorate his capability to keep order and structure within the transport sector, critics fret about the potential nationwide expansion of what they view as a hazardous blend of transportation union power and political influence.

The consultation also raises broader concerns about the need for reform within Nigeria's transportation union structure and the relationship in between labour unions and political power.

As the nation continues to come to grips with concerns of democratic debt consolidation and ethnic consistency, the role of influential union leaders like MC Oluomo will likely stay a subject of extreme dispute and scrutiny.

This advancement serves 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 procedures.

As MC Oluomo begins his tenure as National President, his actions will be closely seen by advocates and critics alike, with substantial ramifications for the transportation sector and Nigeria's broader political landscape.