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 actually triggered both event and concern throughout Nigeria’s transportation sector, Musiliu Ayinde Akinsanya Akinsanya, commonly referred to as MC Oluomo, has emerged as the National President of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) following an agreement election by union stakeholders and delegates.

The election, which occurred 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 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– participated in the election, which saw MC Oluomo as the sole candidate.

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 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, mentioning, “I have actually forgiven everybody who upset me, and I wish those I offended would forgive me as well. This is our union, and we should be dedicated to its conservation. We will not permit anybody to ruin our methods of income.”

A Controversial Past

However, MC Oluomo’s ascension to the nationwide presidency features considerable 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, throughout the 2023 basic elections, MC Oluomo got nationwide attention for his controversial role in election-related violence and voter intimidation.

He was captured on video making threats against Igbo voters in Lagos State, cautioning them to either choose the ruling 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 incident caused widespread condemnation and requires his arrest.

The aftermath of his threats materialized in election day violence, where political goons apparently performed civil-war-era-style “eye tests” to recognize Igbo voters, preventing many from exercising their democratic rights. These actions resulted in the development of a petition calling for worldwide travel bans against him, citing his function in inciting 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 mentioned his questionable management design and alleged use of union resources for individual gain as significant issues.

The group specified, “MC Oluomo’s leadership design is unacceptable. He used union resources for individual gain, ignoring members’ well-being.” They also raised concerns about his capability to successfully lead the national 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 successor to the Nigerian Road Transport Union, has evolved from a basic 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, often working as a crucial grassroots mobilization tool for politicians.

The union’s structure, which extends from major cities to remote areas, has actually made it an appealing partner for political stars seeking to establish control over local neighborhoods. This has actually led to changing what was initially a transport employees’ union into what some critics describe as a sophisticated network for political mobilization and, in some cases, intimidation.

Political Influence and Violence

MC Oluomo’s increase exemplifies the complex relationship in 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, including notable 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 legitimate union activities and political thuggery. Throughout the 2023 elections, his organization was implicated of disrupting ballot systems and daunting voters, particularly those perceived to be opposition supporters.

Legal Challenges and Institutional Response

The questionable nature of MC Oluomo’s management has caused various legal obstacles. Significant among these was a court order throughout 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 management of the NURTW, questions remain about the union’s future instructions and function in Nigeria’s political landscape.

While his fans commemorate his ability to preserve order and structure within the transportation sector, critics fret about the prospective nationwide expansion of what they view as a hazardous blend of transport union power and political impact.

The consultation also raises broader concerns about the need 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 concerns of democratic consolidation and ethnic consistency, the role of prominent union leaders like MC Oluomo will likely stay a topic of extreme debate and analysis.

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

As MC Oluomo begins his tenure as National President, his actions will be closely seen by fans and critics alike, with substantial ramifications for the transport sector and Nigeria’s more comprehensive political landscape.