Oluomo emerges NURTW national president – Channels Television

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

In a development that has actually triggered both event and concern across Nigeria’s transport sector, Musiliu Akinsanya, commonly called 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 happened at the Union’s Zonal Secretariat along the Osogbo/Ikirun road in Osun State, marks a significant turning point in the controversial 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 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 visit 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 everybody who angered me, and I wish those I angered would forgive me too. This is our union, and we should be committed to its conservation. We will not allow anybody to ruin our methods of income.”

A Controversial Past

Nevertheless, MC Oluomo’s ascension to the national presidency features considerable baggage and debate.

Claims 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 especially, during the 2023 general elections, MC Oluomo acquired nationwide attention for his controversial function in election-related violence and citizen 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 pal nicknamed “Iya Chukwudi,” the occurrence caused widespread condemnation and requires his arrest.

The consequences of his risks materialized in election day violence, where political hooligans supposedly conducted civil-war-era-style “eye tests” to recognize Igbo voters, avoiding many from exercising their democratic rights. These actions caused the development of a petition calling for international travel restrictions versus him, citing his role in inciting ethnic violence.

Opposition and Concerns

The Concerned Transporters in South West of Nigeria, a group of transport employees, 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 questionable management design and alleged use of union resources for personal gain as substantial concerns.

The group stated, “MC Oluomo’s management design is inappropriate. He utilized union resources for individual gain, ignoring members’ well-being.” They also raised concerns about his capability to efficiently lead the national body, indicating his history of conflicts with previous leaders and his controversial management style.

The NURTW’s Evolution

The NURTW, formed in 1978 as a follower to the Nigerian Road Transport Union, has actually progressed from an easy trade union into a powerful political force. With almost 2 million members, the union has become deeply embedded in Nigeria’s political landscape, frequently acting as an important grassroots mobilization tool for politicians.

The union’s structure, which extends from significant cities to remote areas, has made it an attractive partner for political stars looking for to establish control over regional communities. This has actually resulted in changing what was initially a transport workers’ union into what some critics refer to as an advanced network for political mobilization and, sometimes, intimidation.

Political Influence and Violence

MC Oluomo’s increase exemplifies the complex relationship between transport 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 notable 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 company was accused of interrupting ballot systems and daunting voters, particularly those perceived to be opposition fans.

Legal Challenges and Institutional Response

The questionable nature of MC Oluomo’s management has actually caused different legal obstacles. Significant 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 important electoral processes.

Future Implications

As MC Oluomo presumes the national leadership of the NURTW, concerns stay about the union’s future instructions and role in Nigeria’s political landscape.

While his advocates celebrate his ability to preserve order and structure within the transportation sector, critics worry about the prospective across the country growth of what they see as an unsafe blend of transportation union power and political influence.

The consultation likewise 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 nation continues to face issues of democratic consolidation and ethnic harmony, the function of influential union leaders like MC Oluomo will likely remain a topic of extreme argument and analysis.

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

As MC Oluomo starts his tenure as National President, his actions will be carefully seen by fans and critics alike, with considerable ramifications for the transport sector and Nigeria’s wider political landscape.