NURTW

MC Oluomo elected as NURTW president – Channels Television

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

In an advancement that has stimulated both event and issue across Nigeria’s transport sector, Musiliu Ayinde Akinsanya Akinsanya, popularly called 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 road in Osun State, marks a considerable milestone in the controversial figure’s profession trajectory while raising major concerns 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 consultation of Tajudeen Agbede as Vice President of South-West and Akeem Adeosun as trustee from the zone.

In his approval speech, MC Oluomo called for unity within the union, specifying, “I have actually forgiven everybody who angered me, and I want those I upset would forgive me also. This is our union, and we must be devoted to its preservation. We will not permit anybody to ruin our methods of livelihood.”

A Controversial Past

However, MC Oluomo’s ascension to the nationwide presidency features considerable baggage and debate.

Accusations 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 significantly, throughout the 2023 basic elections, MC Oluomo gained nationwide attention for his questionable role in election-related violence and voter intimidation.

He was recorded on video making threats against Igbo citizens in Lagos State, alerting 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 led to widespread condemnation and requires his arrest.

The consequences of his threats materialized in election day violence, where political thugs allegedly carried out civil-war-era-style “eye tests” to determine Igbo voters, preventing many from exercising their democratic rights. These actions caused the creation of a petition requiring international travel restrictions versus him, citing his function in prompting ethnic violence.

Opposition and Concerns

The Concerned Transporters in South West of Nigeria, a group of transportation 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 doubtful management style and declared use of union resources for individual gain as substantial concerns.

The group stated, “MC Oluomo’s management style is unacceptable. He used union resources for individual gain, disregarding members’ well-being.” They likewise raised issues about his capability to successfully 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 actually evolved from a basic 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 politicians.

The union’s structure, which extends from significant cities to remote locations, has made it an appealing partner for political actors looking for to develop control over regional communities. This has actually caused transforming what was initially a transport employees’ union into what some critics refer to as an advanced network for political mobilization and, in some cases, intimidation.

Political Influence and Violence

MC Oluomo’s rise exhibits the complex relationship in between transport unions and political power in Nigeria. As recorded in numerous reports, he has actually been instrumental 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 actually frequently been criticized for blurring the lines in between genuine union activities and political thuggery. During the 2023 elections, his company was accused of interfering with ballot systems and daunting citizens, particularly those perceived to be opposition fans.

Legal Challenges and Institutional Response

The controversial nature of MC Oluomo’s leadership has resulted in various legal difficulties. Significant amongst these was a court order throughout the 2023 elections that avoided INEC from engaging his services to distribute election materials in Lagos State, highlighting concerns about the politicization of necessary electoral procedures.

Future Implications

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

While his advocates celebrate his capability to keep order and structure within the transportation sector, critics worry about the prospective nationwide expansion of what they see as a harmful combination of transportation union power and political influence.

The appointment likewise raises more comprehensive questions about the requirement for reform within Nigeria’s transport union structure and the relationship between labour unions and political power.

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

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

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