NURTW

MC Oluomo elected as NURTW president – Premium Times Nigeria

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

In a development that has actually sparked both celebration and concern throughout Nigeria’s transportation sector, Musiliu Akinsanya, commonly referred to as 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 significant milestone in the controversial figure’s profession trajectory while raising serious questions about the intersection 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 procedure was supervised 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 everyone who offended me, and I wish those I upset would forgive me also. This is our union, and we should be committed to its conservation. We will not enable anyone to damage our methods of livelihood.”

A Controversial Past

However, MC Oluomo’s ascension to the national presidency comes with substantial baggage and controversy.

Allegations of violence, political intimidation, and the weaponization of transport union structures for political purposes marked his period as the chairman of the Lagos State chapter of NURTW.

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

He was caught on video making threats versus Igbo citizens in Lagos State, warning them to either vote for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) or stay at home. While he later claimed the statement was a joke made to a pal nicknamed “Iya Chukwudi,” the incident led to widespread condemnation and calls for his arrest.

The consequences of his risks materialized in election day violence, where political goons apparently conducted civil-war-era-style “eye tests” to determine Igbo voters, avoiding numerous from exercising their democratic rights. These actions caused the development of a petition calling for worldwide travel bans against him, citing his function in prompting ethnic violence.

Opposition and Concerns

The Concerned Transporters in South West of Nigeria, a group of transportation employees, has actually 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 stated, “MC Oluomo’s leadership design is undesirable. He used union resources for individual gain, ignoring members’ well-being.” They also raised concerns about his capability 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 follower to the Nigerian Road Transport Union, has progressed from a simple trade union into an effective political force. With nearly 2 million members, the union has become deeply embedded in Nigeria’s political landscape, often serving as a vital grassroots mobilization tool for political leaders.

The union’s structure, which extends from major cities to remote locations, has made it an appealing partner for political stars seeking to develop control over regional neighborhoods. This has caused transforming what was originally a transport employees’ union into what some critics refer to as an advanced network for political mobilization and, often, intimidation.

Political Influence and Violence

MC Oluomo’s increase exhibits the complex relationship in between transport unions and political power in Nigeria. As recorded in different reports, he has actually contributed in the Southwest’s political campaigns and mobilization efforts, including significant participation in the 2018 Osun State governorship election and subsequent political contests.

His methods of operation have typically been slammed for blurring the lines in between legitimate union activities and political thuggery. During the 2023 elections, his organization was accused of disrupting polling systems and intimidating citizens, especially those viewed to be opposition advocates.

Legal Challenges and Institutional Response

The controversial nature of MC Oluomo’s management has actually caused various legal difficulties. Significant amongst 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 vital electoral procedures.

Future Implications

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

While his supporters commemorate his ability to maintain order and structure within the transport sector, critics fret about the potential nationwide expansion of what they see as a dangerous blend of transport union power and political influence.

The appointment also 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 nation continues to come to grips with concerns of democratic combination and ethnic consistency, the function of influential union leaders like MC Oluomo will likely remain a topic of extreme debate and examination.

This development works 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 tenure as National President, his actions will be closely viewed by advocates and critics alike, with substantial ramifications for the transportation sector and Nigeria’s more comprehensive political landscape.