MC Oluomo elected NURTW national president – Peoples Gazette Nigeria
MC Oluomo’s Controversial Rise: From Transport Union Leader to National NURTW President
In a development that has actually triggered both event and concern throughout Nigeria’s transportation sector, Musiliu Ayinde Akinsanya Akinsanya, widely called 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 controversial figure’s career trajectory while raising serious concerns 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 prospect.
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 led to the visit 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 everybody who upset me, and I want those I angered would forgive me also. This is our union, and we must be dedicated to its preservation. We will not allow anybody to ruin our methods of livelihood.”
A Controversial Past
Nevertheless, MC Oluomo’s ascension to the national presidency comes with significant baggage and debate.
Claims of violence, political intimidation, and the weaponization of transportation union structures for political purposes marked his tenure as the chairman of the Lagos State chapter of NURTW.
Most especially, throughout the 2023 general elections, MC Oluomo acquired national attention for his controversial role in election-related violence and voter intimidation.
He was captured on video making threats against Igbo voters in Lagos State, alerting them to either choose the judgment All Progressives Congress (APC) or stay at home. While he later on claimed the declaration was a joke made to a buddy nicknamed “Iya Chukwudi,” the incident led to widespread condemnation and requires his arrest.
The after-effects of his dangers materialized in election day violence, where political goons supposedly conducted civil-war-era-style “eye tests” to determine Igbo voters, avoiding numerous from exercising their democratic rights. These actions led to the creation of a petition calling for international travel restrictions against 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 mentioned his questionable management style and alleged use of union resources for individual gain as considerable issues.
The group stated, “MC Oluomo’s management style is unacceptable. He utilized union resources for personal gain, ignoring members’ welfare.” They likewise raised concerns about his ability to efficiently lead the nationwide body, indicating his history of conflicts with previous leaders and his controversial management design.
The NURTW’s Evolution
The NURTW, formed in 1978 as a follower to the Nigerian Road Transport Union, has evolved from a simple trade union into an effective political force. With almost 2 million members, the union has become deeply embedded in Nigeria’s political landscape, frequently acting as a crucial grassroots mobilization tool for politicians.
The union’s structure, which extends from significant cities to remote areas, has actually made it an attractive partner for political stars seeking to develop control over regional neighborhoods. This has led to changing what was originally a transportation employees’ union into what some critics refer to as a sophisticated network for political mobilization and, in some cases, intimidation.
Political Influence and Violence
MC Oluomo’s increase exhibits the complex relationship between transport unions and political power in Nigeria. As documented in various reports, he has actually contributed in the Southwest’s political campaigns and mobilization efforts, consisting of notable involvement in the 2018 Osun State governorship election and subsequent political contests.
His methods of operation have actually typically been criticized for blurring the lines between legitimate union activities and political thuggery. Throughout the 2023 elections, his organization was accused of interfering with polling units and intimidating citizens, particularly those viewed to be opposition advocates.
Legal Challenges and Institutional Response
The questionable nature of MC Oluomo’s leadership has actually led to various legal difficulties. Significant amongst these was a court order throughout the 2023 elections that avoided INEC from engaging his services to disperse election products in Lagos State, highlighting issues about the politicization of important 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 stress over the potential nationwide growth of what they see as an unsafe fusion 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 country continues to grapple with issues of democratic debt consolidation and ethnic harmony, the function of prominent union leaders like MC Oluomo will likely remain a topic of intense dispute and analysis.
This advancement works as a defining moment for reflection on the state of Nigeria’s democratic organizations and the impact of non-state actors in the country’s political processes.
As MC Oluomo begins his period as National President, his actions will be closely viewed by advocates and critics alike, with substantial ramifications for the transport sector and Nigeria’s wider political landscape.
