Oluomo emerges NURTW national president – The Guardian Nigeria News

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

In an advancement that has triggered both event and issue throughout Nigeria’s transportation sector, Musiliu Ayinde Akinsanya Akinsanya, popularly referred to as 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 took place at the Union’s Zonal Secretariat along the Osogbo/Ikirun roadway in Osun State, marks a significant milestone in the controversial figure’s profession trajectory while raising major questions about the intersection of transport unions and political power in Nigeria.

The Rise to Power

Delegates from 4 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 also 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, mentioning, “I have forgiven everybody who upset me, and I wish those I upset would forgive me also. This is our union, and we should be devoted to its preservation. We will not enable anybody to ruin our means of livelihood.”

A Controversial Past

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

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 significantly, during the 2023 general elections, MC Oluomo acquired national attention for his controversial role in election-related violence and citizen intimidation.

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

The consequences of his hazards materialized in election day violence, where political punks supposedly performed civil-war-era-style “eye tests” to recognize Igbo citizens, avoiding lots of from exercising their democratic rights. These actions resulted in the production of a petition calling for worldwide travel bans versus 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 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 management design and alleged use of union resources for personal gain as significant concerns.

The group stated, “MC Oluomo’s leadership style is unacceptable. He utilized union resources for individual gain, neglecting members’ well-being.” They likewise raised concerns about his ability 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 successor to the Nigerian Road Transport Union, has developed from a basic trade union into a powerful political force. With nearly 2 million members, the union has actually ended up being deeply embedded in Nigeria’s political landscape, often working as an important grassroots mobilization tool for politicians.

The union’s structure, which extends from major cities to remote locations, has made it an appealing partner for political actors looking for to develop control over regional neighborhoods. This has resulted in transforming what was originally a transport workers’ union into what some critics describe 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 various reports, he has actually contributed 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 frequently been slammed for blurring the lines between genuine union activities and political thuggery. Throughout the 2023 elections, his organization was implicated of interfering with ballot units and intimidating citizens, especially those perceived to be opposition fans.

Legal Challenges and Institutional Response

The questionable nature of MC Oluomo’s management has actually led to various legal challenges. Notable amongst these was a court order throughout the 2023 elections that prevented INEC from engaging his services to distribute election products in Lagos State, highlighting concerns about the politicization of necessary electoral procedures.

Future Implications

As MC Oluomo assumes the national management of the NURTW, questions stay about the union’s future direction and function in Nigeria’s political landscape.

While his advocates celebrate his ability to preserve order and structure within the transportation sector, critics fret about the possible nationwide growth of what they see as a harmful combination of transportation union power and political influence.

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

As the country continues to come to grips with problems of democratic consolidation and ethnic harmony, the function of influential union leaders like MC Oluomo will likely remain a topic of extreme dispute and examination.

This advancement acts as a defining moment for reflection on the state of Nigeria’s democratic organizations and the influence 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 fans and critics alike, with considerable implications for the transport sector and Nigeria’s more comprehensive political landscape.