MC Oluomo elected as NURTW president – Pulse Nigeria

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

In a development that has sparked both event and issue throughout Nigeria’s transport sector, Musiliu Akinsanya, widely called MC Oluomo, has 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 occurred at the Union’s Zonal Secretariat along the Osogbo/Ikirun roadway in Osun State, marks a substantial milestone in the controversial 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 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 resulted in 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 required unity within the union, specifying, „I have actually forgiven everybody who upset me, and I want those I upset would forgive me too. This is our union, and we need to be committed to its preservation. We will not permit anybody to damage our methods of income.“

A Controversial Past

However, MC Oluomo’s ascension to the nationwide presidency features substantial luggage and controversy.

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

Most significantly, during the 2023 basic elections, MC Oluomo got national attention for his controversial function in election-related violence and voter intimidation.

He was recorded on video making threats against Igbo citizens in Lagos State, alerting them to either choose the judgment 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 caused prevalent condemnation and requires his arrest.

The consequences of his threats emerged in election day violence, where political criminals supposedly performed civil-war-era-style „eye tests“ to determine Igbo voters, preventing many from exercising their democratic rights. These actions led to the creation of a petition requiring international travel restrictions versus him, citing his role in prompting ethnic violence.

Opposition and Concerns

The Concerned Transporters in South West of Nigeria, a group of transportation employees, has actually emphatically opposed MC Oluomo’s rise to power. In a communique signed by Comrade Taiwo Ariyo and Alhaji Ahmed Ibrahim, the group mentioned his doubtful management style and alleged use of union resources for personal gain as considerable concerns.

The group mentioned, „MC Oluomo’s leadership style is unacceptable. He utilized union resources for individual gain, neglecting members‘ welfare.“ They also raised issues about his capability to effectively 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 a powerful political force. With almost 2 million members, the union has actually ended up being deeply embedded in Nigeria’s political landscape, typically 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 actors seeking to develop control over regional neighborhoods. This has led to transforming what was originally a transportation employees‘ union into what some critics refer to as an advanced network for political mobilization and, sometimes, intimidation.

Political Influence and Violence

MC Oluomo’s increase exemplifies the complex relationship between transportation unions and political power in Nigeria. As recorded in different reports, he has been instrumental in the Southwest’s political campaigns and mobilization efforts, consisting of noteworthy involvement in the 2018 Osun State governorship election and subsequent political contests.

His methods of operation have actually often been criticized for blurring the lines between genuine union activities and political thuggery. Throughout the 2023 elections, his company was implicated of interfering with polling systems and intimidating citizens, especially those perceived to be opposition advocates.

Legal Challenges and Institutional Response

The controversial nature of MC Oluomo’s management has actually resulted in different legal obstacles. Significant among these was a court order during the 2023 elections that prevented INEC from engaging his services to disperse election materials in Lagos State, highlighting concerns about the politicization of necessary electoral procedures.

Future Implications

As MC Oluomo presumes the nationwide management of the NURTW, concerns remain about the union’s future direction and role in Nigeria’s political landscape.

While his advocates celebrate his ability to maintain order and structure within the transport sector, critics worry about the possible nationwide expansion of what they view as a hazardous fusion of transport union power and political influence.

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

As the country continues to come to grips with problems of democratic consolidation and ethnic consistency, the function of prominent union leaders like MC Oluomo will likely remain a topic of intense debate and analysis.

This development functions as a critical moment for reflection on the state of Nigeria’s democratic institutions and the impact of non-state stars in the nation’s political processes.

As MC Oluomo begins his period as National President, his actions will be carefully watched by supporters and critics alike, with significant implications for the transportation sector and Nigeria’s broader political landscape.