MC Oluomo emerges NURTW national president – Channels TV

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

In a development that has actually stimulated both celebration and issue throughout Nigeria’s transport sector, Musiliu Akinsanya, commonly referred to 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 substantial turning point in the controversial figure’s career trajectory while raising serious concerns about the crossway of transportation 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 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 acceptance speech, MC Oluomo called for unity within the union, specifying, «I have forgiven everyone who angered me, and I wish those I angered would forgive me as well. This is our union, and we need to be devoted to its conservation. We will not permit anyone to damage our methods of livelihood.»

A Controversial Past

Nevertheless, MC Oluomo’s ascension to the nationwide presidency comes with considerable baggage and debate.

Claims of violence, political intimidation, and the weaponization of transportation union structures for political purposes marked his period as the chairman of the Lagos State chapter of NURTW.

Most notably, throughout the 2023 general elections, MC Oluomo acquired national attention for his questionable role in election-related violence and voter intimidation.

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

The consequences of his threats emerged in election day violence, where political criminals presumably performed civil-war-era-style «eye tests» to identify Igbo voters, avoiding lots of from exercising their democratic rights. These actions caused the creation of a petition calling for worldwide travel bans 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 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 management style and alleged use of union resources for individual gain as significant concerns.

The group stated, «MC Oluomo’s leadership style is unacceptable. He used union resources for personal gain, disregarding members’ welfare.» They likewise raised concerns about his capability to efficiently lead the national body, pointing to his history of conflicts with previous leaders and his questionable management style.

The NURTW’s Evolution

The NURTW, formed in 1978 as a successor to the Nigerian Road Transport Union, has actually developed 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, frequently working as an important grassroots mobilization tool for political leaders.

The union’s structure, which extends from significant cities to remote locations, has actually made it an appealing partner for political actors seeking to develop control over regional neighborhoods. This has actually resulted in changing what was initially a transportation employees’ union into what some critics describe as an advanced network for political mobilization and, often, intimidation.

Political Influence and Violence

MC Oluomo’s increase exhibits the complex relationship in between transportation unions and political power in Nigeria. As documented in different 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 actually often been slammed for blurring the lines between legitimate union activities and political thuggery. Throughout the 2023 elections, his organization was accused of interrupting polling units and daunting voters, particularly those viewed to be opposition fans.

Legal Challenges and Institutional Response

The controversial 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 materials in Lagos State, highlighting issues about the politicization of vital electoral procedures.

Future Implications

As MC Oluomo presumes the nationwide leadership of the NURTW, concerns remain about the union’s future direction and role in Nigeria’s political landscape.

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

The visit also raises wider concerns about the need for reform within Nigeria’s transportation 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 role of influential union leaders like MC Oluomo will likely remain a subject of extreme dispute and examination.

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

As MC Oluomo begins his period as National President, his actions will be carefully viewed by advocates and critics alike, with considerable ramifications for the transport sector and Nigeria’s broader political landscape.