National Union of Road Transport Workers 149 views

MC Oluomo elected NURTW national president – Sahara Reporters

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

In an advancement that has actually stimulated both celebration and concern throughout Nigeria’s transport sector, Musiliu Ayinde Akinsanya Akinsanya, commonly referred to 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 happened at the Union’s Zonal Secretariat along the Osogbo/Ikirun roadway in Osun State, marks a significant turning point 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– participated 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 also led to 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, stating, “I have forgiven everyone who offended me, and I wish those I angered would forgive me also. This is our union, and we should be dedicated to its conservation. We will not allow anybody to ruin our methods of income.”

A Controversial Past

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

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

Most notably, throughout the 2023 general elections, MC Oluomo got nationwide attention for his questionable function in election-related violence and voter intimidation.

He was recorded on video making threats against Igbo voters in Lagos State, warning them to either elect the judgment All Progressives Congress (APC) or stay at home. While he later claimed the declaration was a joke made to a good friend nicknamed “Iya Chukwudi,” the event resulted in prevalent condemnation and calls for his arrest.

The aftermath of his risks materialized in election day violence, where political punks supposedly conducted civil-war-era-style “eye tests” to recognize Igbo citizens, avoiding numerous from exercising their democratic rights. These actions resulted in the development of a petition requiring worldwide travel restrictions versus him, mentioning his function 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 cited his questionable leadership style and alleged use of union resources for individual gain as significant concerns.

The group specified, “MC Oluomo’s management design is undesirable. He used union resources for personal gain, neglecting members’ well-being.” They likewise raised concerns about his ability to successfully lead the nationwide body, indicating 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 actually progressed from a simple trade union into a powerful political force. With almost 2 million members, the union has become deeply embedded in Nigeria’s political landscape, typically functioning as a crucial grassroots mobilization tool for political leaders.

The union’s structure, which extends from significant cities to remote locations, has actually made it an attractive partner for political actors seeking to develop control over local neighborhoods. This has resulted in changing what was initially a transportation workers’ union into what some critics describe as an advanced network for political mobilization and, in some cases, intimidation.

Political Influence and Violence

MC Oluomo’s rise exhibits the complex relationship between transport unions and political power in Nigeria. As documented in numerous reports, he has been instrumental in the Southwest’s political campaigns and mobilization efforts, consisting of noteworthy participation in the 2018 Osun State governorship election and subsequent political contests.

His methods of operation have actually typically been criticized for blurring the lines in between genuine union activities and political thuggery. During the 2023 elections, his company was accused of interrupting polling systems and intimidating citizens, particularly those perceived to be opposition fans.

Legal Challenges and Institutional Response

The controversial nature of MC Oluomo’s management has caused numerous legal difficulties. Noteworthy among these was a court order throughout the 2023 elections that prevented INEC from engaging his services to disperse election materials in Lagos State, highlighting issues about the politicization of vital electoral procedures.

Future Implications

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

While his supporters commemorate his capability to maintain order and structure within the transport sector, critics fret about the potential across the country growth of what they see as an unsafe combination of transport union power and political impact.

The consultation likewise raises more comprehensive questions 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 grapple with issues of democratic consolidation and ethnic harmony, the role of prominent union leaders like MC Oluomo will likely stay a subject of intense debate and examination.

This advancement functions as a critical moment for reflection on the state of Nigeria’s democratic institutions and the influence of non-state actors in the country’s political processes.

As MC Oluomo begins his period as National President, his actions will be closely seen by fans and critics alike, with considerable ramifications for the transportation sector and Nigeria’s wider political landscape.