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 stimulated both celebration and concern across Nigeria’s transportation sector, Musiliu Akinsanya, widely known as MC Oluomo, has emerged as 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 road in Osun State, marks a significant turning point in the controversial figure’s profession trajectory while raising severe questions about the crossway of transportation 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 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 also led to the appointment of Tajudeen Agbede as Vice President of South-West and Akeem Adeosun as trustee from the zone.

In his approval speech, MC Oluomo required unity within the union, mentioning, “I have actually forgiven everyone who offended me, and I wish those I angered would forgive me also. This is our union, and we should be committed to its conservation. We will not allow anybody to damage our means of livelihood.”

A Controversial Past

However, MC Oluomo’s ascension to the national presidency includes substantial baggage and debate.

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

Most notably, throughout the 2023 basic elections, MC Oluomo got national attention for his controversial role in election-related violence and citizen intimidation.

He was caught on video making threats against Igbo citizens in Lagos State, alerting them to either elect the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) or remain at home. While he later claimed the declaration was a joke made to a friend nicknamed “Iya Chukwudi,” the occurrence caused extensive condemnation and requires his arrest.

The after-effects of his threats materialized in election day violence, where political punks apparently carried out civil-war-era-style “eye tests” to identify Igbo citizens, preventing numerous from exercising their democratic rights. These actions resulted in the development of a petition requiring worldwide travel restrictions versus 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 cited his doubtful leadership style and alleged use of union resources for individual gain as substantial issues.

The group specified, “MC Oluomo’s leadership style is unacceptable. He used union resources for individual gain, disregarding members’ welfare.” They also raised concerns about his ability to effectively lead the national body, pointing to 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 progressed from a simple trade union into a powerful political force. With nearly 2 million members, the union has become deeply embedded in Nigeria’s political landscape, typically working 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 actors looking for to establish control over regional communities. This has led to changing what was initially a transportation employees’ union into what some critics refer to as an advanced network for political mobilization and, often, intimidation.

Political Influence and Violence

MC Oluomo’s rise exemplifies the complex relationship between transportation unions and political power in Nigeria. As documented in different reports, he has actually 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 frequently been criticized for blurring the lines in between genuine union activities and political thuggery. During the 2023 elections, his company was accused of interfering with polling units and intimidating voters, especially those perceived to be opposition supporters.

Legal Challenges and Institutional Response

The controversial nature of MC Oluomo’s management has actually resulted in numerous legal difficulties. Significant amongst these was a court order throughout the 2023 elections that avoided 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 national leadership of the NURTW, concerns remain about the union’s future direction and function in Nigeria’s political landscape.

While his supporters celebrate his ability to maintain order and structure within the transport sector, critics worry about the prospective nationwide growth of what they see as a hazardous fusion 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 nation continues to come to grips with problems of democratic debt consolidation and ethnic consistency, the role of prominent union leaders like MC Oluomo will likely remain a topic of extreme argument and analysis.

This development works as a defining 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 closely seen by supporters and critics alike, with significant ramifications for the transportation sector and Nigeria’s wider political landscape.