MC Oluomo elected NURTW national president – Premium Times Nigeria

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

In an advancement that has actually sparked both celebration and concern across Nigeria’s transport sector, Musiliu Akinsanya, popularly called MC Oluomo, has actually become 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 intersection of transportation unions and political power in Nigeria.

The Rise to Power

Delegates from 4 South-West states– Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, and Ekiti– participated in the election, which saw MC Oluomo as the sole candidate.

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 actually forgiven everyone who upset me, and I want those I offended would forgive me as well. This is our union, and we must be devoted to its preservation. We will not permit anybody to ruin our means of livelihood.“

A Controversial Past

Nevertheless, MC Oluomo’s ascension to the national presidency features significant luggage and debate.

Claims of violence, political intimidation, and the weaponization of transportation union structures for political purposes marked his period 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 citizen intimidation.

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

The consequences of his dangers emerged in election day violence, where political thugs allegedly conducted civil-war-era-style „eye tests“ to recognize Igbo voters, preventing lots of from exercising their democratic rights. These actions caused the development of a petition requiring global travel bans versus him, citing his function in prompting ethnic violence.

Opposition and Concerns

The Concerned Transporters in South West of Nigeria, a group of transportation 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 cited his doubtful leadership design and declared use of union resources for personal gain as substantial issues.

The group stated, „MC Oluomo’s management design is inappropriate. He utilized union resources for individual gain, ignoring members‘ well-being.“ They also raised concerns about his ability to effectively 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 progressed from a basic trade union into an effective political force. With nearly 2 million members, the union has actually ended up being deeply embedded in Nigeria’s political landscape, often functioning as an essential 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 seeking to develop control over local communities. This has actually resulted in transforming what was originally a transportation employees‘ union into what some critics refer to 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 transportation 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 frequently been criticized for blurring the lines in between legitimate union activities and political thuggery. Throughout the 2023 elections, his organization was implicated of interfering with polling units 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 numerous legal challenges. Notable among these was a court order throughout the 2023 elections that avoided INEC from engaging his services to disperse election products in Lagos State, highlighting issues about the politicization of vital electoral procedures.

Future Implications

As MC Oluomo assumes the national management of the NURTW, questions stay about the union’s future instructions and role in Nigeria’s political landscape.

While his fans celebrate his capability to maintain order and structure within the transport sector, critics stress over the possible across the country expansion of what they view as a dangerous combination of transportation union power and political influence.

The appointment likewise raises broader questions about the need for reform within Nigeria’s transportation union structure and the relationship 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 intense argument and analysis.

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

As MC Oluomo begins his period as National President, his actions will be carefully enjoyed by advocates and critics alike, with substantial ramifications for the transportation sector and Nigeria’s broader political landscape.