MC Oluomo emerges 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 triggered both celebration and issue across Nigeria’s transportation sector, Musiliu Ayinde Akinsanya Akinsanya, commonly 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 took place at the Union’s Zonal Secretariat along the Osogbo/Ikirun road in Osun State, marks a considerable milestone in the controversial figure’s career trajectory while raising major concerns about the crossway 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 prospect.

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 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, stating, “I have actually forgiven everyone who upset me, and I wish those I offended would forgive me too. This is our union, and we need to be devoted to its preservation. We will not permit anyone to damage our means of income.”

A Controversial Past

However, MC Oluomo’s ascension to the nationwide presidency comes with significant luggage and debate.

Allegations 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, throughout the 2023 basic elections, MC Oluomo gained national attention for his controversial function in election-related violence and citizen intimidation.

He was caught on video making threats against Igbo citizens in Lagos State, warning them to either elect the ruling 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 led to widespread condemnation and calls for his arrest.

The aftermath of his threats emerged in election day violence, where political thugs allegedly performed civil-war-era-style “eye tests” to recognize Igbo citizens, avoiding numerous from exercising their democratic rights. These actions caused the production of a petition calling for global travel restrictions against him, mentioning his function in prompting ethnic violence.

Opposition and Concerns

The Concerned Transporters in South West of Nigeria, a group of transport 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 questionable leadership design and declared use of union resources for individual gain as considerable issues.

The group specified, “MC Oluomo’s leadership style is undesirable. He utilized union resources for individual gain, neglecting members’ well-being.” They also raised issues about his ability to efficiently lead the national body, pointing to 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 evolved 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 important 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 develop control over regional neighborhoods. This has actually caused changing what was originally a transportation employees’ union into what some critics refer to as a sophisticated network for political mobilization and, often, intimidation.

Political Influence and Violence

MC Oluomo’s increase exemplifies the complex relationship in between transport unions and political power in Nigeria. As documented in numerous reports, he has contributed 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 often been criticized for blurring the lines between genuine union activities and political thuggery. During the 2023 elections, his organization was implicated of interfering with polling systems and daunting citizens, especially those viewed to be opposition advocates.

Legal Challenges and Institutional Response

The questionable nature of MC Oluomo’s leadership has actually resulted in different legal obstacles. Significant among 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 essential electoral processes.

Future Implications

As MC Oluomo presumes the national leadership of the NURTW, questions stay about the union’s future instructions and function in Nigeria’s political landscape.

While his advocates commemorate his ability to preserve order and structure within the transport sector, critics worry about the prospective across the country expansion of what they view as a hazardous blend of transportation union power and political influence.

The consultation likewise raises broader questions about the requirement for reform within Nigeria’s transportation union structure and the relationship in between labour unions and political power.

As the country continues to come to grips with problems of democratic combination and ethnic harmony, the role of prominent union leaders like MC Oluomo will likely remain a subject of intense argument and analysis.

This advancement functions as a defining 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 tenure as National President, his actions will be carefully viewed by supporters and critics alike, with significant implications for the transport sector and Nigeria’s broader political landscape.