Oluomo emerges NURTW national president – Blueprint Newspapers Limited

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

In an advancement that has actually triggered both event and concern throughout Nigeria’s transport sector, Musiliu Ayinde Akinsanya Akinsanya, commonly known 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 took place at the Union’s Zonal Secretariat along the Osogbo/Ikirun road in Osun State, marks a substantial milestone in the controversial figure’s profession 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 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 appointment of Tajudeen Agbede as Vice President of South-West and Akeem Adeosun as trustee from the zone.

In his approval speech, MC Oluomo required unity within the union, specifying, “I have forgiven everybody who angered me, and I want those I upset would forgive me as well. This is our union, and we need to be committed to its conservation. We will not permit anyone to ruin our methods of livelihood.”

A Controversial Past

However, MC Oluomo’s ascension to the national presidency features significant baggage and debate.

Claims 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 especially, throughout the 2023 basic elections, MC Oluomo gained nationwide attention for his controversial role in election-related violence and citizen intimidation.

He was caught on video making threats versus Igbo voters in Lagos State, warning them to either elect the judgment All Progressives Congress (APC) or stay at home. While he later declared the declaration was a joke made to a pal nicknamed “Iya Chukwudi,” the occurrence resulted in extensive condemnation and requires his arrest.

The after-effects of his dangers emerged in election day violence, where political hooligans presumably conducted civil-war-era-style “eye tests” to determine Igbo voters, avoiding lots of from exercising their democratic rights. These actions led to the production of a petition requiring international travel bans against 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 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 design and declared use of union resources for personal gain as considerable concerns.

The group specified, “MC Oluomo’s leadership style is inappropriate. He used union resources for personal gain, overlooking members’ welfare.” They likewise raised concerns about his ability to efficiently lead the nationwide body, pointing to his history of conflicts with previous leaders and his questionable management style.

The NURTW’s Evolution

The NURTW, formed in 1978 as a follower to the Nigerian Road Transport Union, has actually progressed from an easy 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 a crucial grassroots mobilization tool for politicians.

The union’s structure, which extends from major cities to remote areas, has made it an attractive partner for political stars looking for to establish control over local neighborhoods. This has led to changing what was originally a transport 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 rise exemplifies the complex relationship in between transportation unions and political power in Nigeria. As documented in different reports, he has contributed in the Southwest’s political campaigns and mobilization efforts, including significant involvement in the 2018 Osun State governorship election and subsequent political contests.

His methods of operation have typically been slammed for blurring the lines between genuine union activities and political thuggery. Throughout the 2023 elections, his company was implicated of interfering with polling units and frightening voters, especially those viewed to be opposition fans.

Legal Challenges and Institutional Response

The questionable nature of MC Oluomo’s leadership has resulted in different legal challenges. Noteworthy among these was a court order during the 2023 elections that prevented INEC from engaging his services to disperse election products in Lagos State, highlighting concerns about the politicization of important electoral procedures.

Future Implications

As MC Oluomo presumes the nationwide leadership of the NURTW, questions stay about the union’s future direction and role in Nigeria’s political landscape.

While his advocates celebrate his ability to keep order and structure within the transport sector, critics fret about the potential nationwide growth of what they view as a dangerous blend of transport union power and political impact.

The consultation also raises more comprehensive concerns about the need for reform within Nigeria’s transport union structure and the relationship in between labour unions and political power.

As the nation continues to grapple with concerns of democratic combination and ethnic consistency, the role of prominent union leaders like MC Oluomo will likely stay a topic of extreme dispute and examination.

This development serves as a critical moment for reflection on the state of Nigeria’s democratic organizations and the influence of non-state stars in the country’s political processes.

As MC Oluomo starts his period as National President, his actions will be closely seen by advocates and critics alike, with considerable ramifications for the transport sector and Nigeria’s broader political landscape.