MC Oluomo emerges NURTW President – Channels Television

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

In a development that has triggered both celebration and issue throughout Nigeria’s transport sector, Musiliu Ayinde Akinsanya Akinsanya, commonly called MC Oluomo, has actually 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 happened at the Union’s Zonal Secretariat along the Osogbo/Ikirun roadway in Osun State, marks a considerable milestone in the controversial figure’s profession trajectory while raising serious questions 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 candidate.

The procedure 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 likewise led to 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 called for unity within the union, mentioning, “I have actually forgiven everyone who upset me, and I want those I upset would forgive me too. This is our union, and we should be dedicated to its conservation. We will not allow anybody to damage our methods of income.”

A Controversial Past

However, MC Oluomo’s ascension to the nationwide presidency features substantial luggage and debate.

Claims of violence, political intimidation, and the weaponization of transport union structures for political functions marked his tenure as the chairman of the Lagos State chapter of NURTW.

Most notably, during the 2023 basic elections, MC Oluomo gained national attention for his questionable function in election-related violence and voter intimidation.

He was recorded on video making threats against Igbo voters in Lagos State, cautioning them to either elect the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) or stay at home. While he later on declared the statement was a joke made to a buddy nicknamed “Iya Chukwudi,” the incident caused widespread condemnation and calls for his arrest.

The after-effects of his threats materialized in election day violence, where political thugs allegedly performed civil-war-era-style “eye tests” to recognize Igbo voters, preventing numerous from exercising their democratic rights. These actions resulted in the production of a petition requiring global travel bans against him, citing his function in prompting 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 doubtful leadership style and declared use of union resources for individual gain as considerable issues.

The group mentioned, “MC Oluomo’s leadership style is unacceptable. He utilized union resources for individual gain, overlooking members’ well-being.” They also raised concerns about his ability to efficiently lead the national body, pointing to his history of conflicts with previous leaders and his controversial management style.

The NURTW’s Evolution

The NURTW, formed in 1978 as a successor to the Nigerian Road Transport Union, has progressed from a basic trade union into an effective political force. With almost 2 million members, the union has ended up being deeply embedded in Nigeria’s political landscape, often working as a vital grassroots mobilization tool for politicians.

The union’s structure, which extends from major cities to remote areas, has made it an appealing partner for political stars seeking to establish control over regional neighborhoods. This has caused changing what was originally a transport workers’ union into what some critics refer to as a sophisticated network for political mobilization and, sometimes, intimidation.

Political Influence and Violence

MC Oluomo’s rise exhibits the complex relationship between transportation unions and political power in Nigeria. As documented in different reports, he has actually been instrumental in the Southwest’s political campaigns and mobilization efforts, consisting of significant participation in the 2018 Osun State governorship election and subsequent political contests.

His methods of operation have typically been criticized for blurring the lines between genuine union activities and political thuggery. During the 2023 elections, his organization was accused of interfering with ballot systems and daunting voters, particularly those perceived to be opposition advocates.

Legal Challenges and Institutional Response

The questionable nature of MC Oluomo’s leadership has actually led to different legal challenges. Significant among these was a court order throughout the 2023 elections that prevented INEC from engaging his services to distribute election products in Lagos State, highlighting issues about the politicization of essential electoral processes.

Future Implications

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

While his supporters celebrate his ability to keep order and structure within the transport sector, critics worry about the possible across the country expansion of what they view as an unsafe combination of transportation union power and political impact.

The consultation likewise raises broader concerns about the need for reform within Nigeria’s transport union structure and the relationship between labour unions and political power.

As the country continues to grapple with issues of democratic debt consolidation and ethnic consistency, the function of influential union leaders like MC Oluomo will likely stay a topic of intense argument and scrutiny.

This advancement acts as a critical moment for reflection on the state of Nigeria’s democratic organizations and the impact of non-state stars in the country’s political processes.

As MC Oluomo begins his period as National President, his actions will be closely enjoyed by advocates and critics alike, with significant ramifications for the transportation sector and Nigeria’s wider political landscape.