MC Oluomo emerges NURTW President – Vanguard Newspaper
MC Oluomo’s Controversial Rise: From Transport Union Leader to National NURTW President
In an advancement that has sparked both celebration and issue throughout Nigeria’s transport sector, Musiliu Ayinde Akinsanya Akinsanya, commonly known 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 took place at the Union’s Zonal Secretariat along the Osogbo/Ikirun roadway in Osun State, marks a considerable milestone in the questionable figure’s career trajectory while raising major questions about the crossway of transport unions and political power in Nigeria.
The Rise to Power
Delegates from four South-West states– Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, and Ekiti– took part in the election, which saw MC Oluomo as the sole candidate.
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 also resulted in the consultation of Tajudeen Agbede as Vice President of South-West and Akeem Adeosun as trustee from the zone.
In his acceptance speech, MC Oluomo required unity within the union, specifying, “I have forgiven everybody who offended me, and I want those I offended would forgive me too. This is our union, and we should be dedicated to its preservation. We will not enable anybody to ruin our means of income.”
A Controversial Past
However, MC Oluomo’s ascension to the national presidency comes with substantial baggage and debate.
Claims of violence, political intimidation, and the weaponization of transportation union structures for political purposes marked his tenure as the chairman of the Lagos State chapter of NURTW.
Most notably, during the 2023 basic elections, MC Oluomo gained nationwide attention for his questionable role in election-related violence and voter intimidation.
He was caught 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 pal nicknamed “Iya Chukwudi,” the occurrence caused widespread condemnation and calls for his arrest.
The aftermath of his threats materialized in election day violence, where political hooligans presumably carried out civil-war-era-style “eye tests” to identify Igbo citizens, avoiding lots of from exercising their democratic rights. These actions caused the production of a petition calling for international travel restrictions against him, citing his role in inciting ethnic violence.
Opposition and Concerns
The Concerned Transporters in South West of Nigeria, a group of transportation workers, has 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 management style and declared use of union resources for individual gain as considerable issues.
The group specified, “MC Oluomo’s leadership design is undesirable. He utilized union resources for individual gain, overlooking members’ welfare.” They also raised concerns about his capability to effectively lead the nationwide body, indicating his history of conflicts with previous leaders and his controversial management design.
The NURTW’s Evolution
The NURTW, formed in 1978 as a successor to the Nigerian Road Transport Union, has actually developed from an easy trade union into a powerful political force. With nearly 2 million members, the union has become deeply embedded in Nigeria’s political landscape, frequently functioning as an important grassroots mobilization tool for political leaders.
The union’s structure, which extends from significant cities to remote areas, has actually made it an attractive partner for political actors seeking to develop control over local communities. This has led to changing what was originally a transportation employees’ 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 in between transport unions and political power in Nigeria. As documented in different reports, he has contributed in the Southwest’s political campaigns and mobilization efforts, including noteworthy participation in the 2018 Osun State governorship election and subsequent political contests.
His methods of operation have often been criticized for blurring the lines between genuine union activities and political thuggery. During the 2023 elections, his organization was accused of interrupting polling systems and intimidating voters, particularly those perceived to be opposition supporters.
Legal Challenges and Institutional Response
The controversial nature of MC Oluomo’s leadership has led to various legal obstacles. Notable among these was a court order during the 2023 elections that prevented INEC from engaging his services to distribute election materials in Lagos State, highlighting concerns about the politicization of vital electoral procedures.
Future Implications
As MC Oluomo presumes the national leadership of the NURTW, questions remain about the union’s future direction and role in Nigeria’s political landscape.
While his advocates commemorate his ability to preserve order and structure within the transport sector, critics stress over the prospective nationwide expansion of what they view as an unsafe combination of transport union power and political influence.
The visit also raises more comprehensive questions about the need for reform within Nigeria’s transport union structure and the relationship between labour unions and political power.
As the nation continues to face issues of democratic consolidation and ethnic harmony, the function of influential union leaders like MC Oluomo will likely stay a subject of intense dispute and analysis.
This development works 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 procedures.
As MC Oluomo starts his period as National President, his actions will be carefully viewed by fans and critics alike, with considerable implications for the transportation sector and Nigeria’s wider political landscape.
