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MC Oluomo elected NURTW national president – Blueprint Newspapers Limited
MC Oluomo’s Controversial Rise: From Transport Union Leader to National NURTW President
In a development that has actually stimulated both celebration and issue across Nigeria’s transportation sector, Musiliu Akinsanya, commonly known as MC Oluomo, has become the National President of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) following an agreement 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 significant turning point in the questionable figure’s profession trajectory while raising severe 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 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, stating, “I have actually forgiven everyone who upset me, and I want those I upset would forgive me too. This is our union, and we need to be devoted to its preservation. We will not permit anyone to ruin our means of income.”
A Controversial Past
However, MC Oluomo’s ascension to the national presidency features substantial baggage and debate.
Accusations of violence, political intimidation, and the weaponization of transport union structures for political functions marked his period as the chairman of the Lagos State chapter of NURTW.
Most significantly, throughout the 2023 basic elections, MC Oluomo acquired nationwide attention for his controversial role in election-related violence and voter intimidation.
He was captured on video making threats against Igbo citizens in Lagos State, alerting them to either choose the judgment All Progressives Congress (APC) or remain at home. While he later declared the statement was a joke made to a good friend nicknamed “Iya Chukwudi,” the incident resulted in widespread condemnation and requires his arrest.
The aftermath of his dangers materialized in election day violence, where political punks apparently carried out civil-war-era-style “eye tests” to determine Igbo voters, preventing many from exercising their democratic rights. These actions led to the creation of a petition calling for international travel bans 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 actually 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 design and declared use of union resources for individual gain as considerable concerns.
The group stated, “MC Oluomo’s management design is inappropriate. He utilized union resources for personal gain, disregarding members’ welfare.” They likewise raised issues about his capability to successfully lead the nationwide 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 follower to the Nigerian Road Transport Union, has actually developed from a simple trade union into a powerful political force. With almost 2 million members, the union has ended up being deeply embedded in Nigeria’s political landscape, typically acting as a vital grassroots mobilization tool for politicians.
The union’s structure, which extends from significant cities to remote areas, has made it an appealing partner for political actors seeking to establish control over local communities. This has caused transforming what was originally a transport workers’ union into what some critics describe as an advanced network for political mobilization and, often, intimidation.
Political Influence and Violence
MC Oluomo’s increase exemplifies the complex relationship between transport unions and political power in Nigeria. As documented in numerous reports, he has been instrumental in the Southwest’s political campaigns and mobilization efforts, including noteworthy involvement in the 2018 Osun State governorship election and subsequent political contests.
His methods of operation have often been slammed for blurring the lines in between genuine union activities and political thuggery. Throughout the 2023 elections, his company was implicated of disrupting ballot units and daunting citizens, particularly those perceived to be opposition fans.
Legal Challenges and Institutional Response
The questionable nature of MC Oluomo’s leadership has actually caused various legal obstacles. Notable amongst these was a court order throughout the 2023 elections that prevented INEC from engaging his services to disperse election materials in Lagos State, highlighting issues about the politicization of essential electoral procedures.
Future Implications
As MC Oluomo assumes the national management of the NURTW, questions remain about the union’s future direction and role in Nigeria’s political landscape.
While his fans commemorate his ability to maintain order and structure within the transportation sector, critics stress over the prospective nationwide growth of what they see as a dangerous combination of transportation union power and political influence.
The appointment also raises broader concerns about the requirement for reform within Nigeria’s transport union structure and the relationship in between labour unions and political power.
As the country continues to come to grips with issues of democratic consolidation and ethnic harmony, the role of prominent union leaders like MC Oluomo will likely stay a topic of extreme argument and analysis.
This advancement acts as a critical moment for reflection on the state of Nigeria’s democratic institutions and the influence of non-state stars in the nation’s political processes.
As MC Oluomo begins his tenure as National President, his actions will be carefully watched by advocates and critics alike, with significant ramifications for the transport sector and Nigeria’s broader political landscape.