MC Oluomo emerges NURTW President - Vanguard News

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

In an advancement that has actually triggered both event and issue throughout Nigeria's transportation sector, Musiliu Ayinde Akinsanya Akinsanya, commonly called MC Oluomo, has actually 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 happened at the Union's Zonal Secretariat along the Osogbo/Ikirun roadway in Osun State, marks a significant milestone in the controversial figure's profession trajectory while raising serious questions 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 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, stating, "I have forgiven everybody who upset me, and I want those I upset would forgive me too. This is our union, and we need to be dedicated to its conservation. We will not permit anyone to ruin our means of income."

A Controversial Past

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

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

Most significantly, during the 2023 general elections, MC Oluomo acquired nationwide attention for his questionable function in election-related violence and citizen intimidation.

He was recorded on video making threats against Igbo citizens in Lagos State, alerting them to either choose the judgment All Progressives Congress (APC) or remain at home. While he later on declared the statement was a joke made to a good friend nicknamed "Iya Chukwudi," the incident caused extensive condemnation and requires his arrest.

The aftermath of his hazards emerged in election day violence, where political criminals apparently performed civil-war-era-style "eye tests" to recognize Igbo voters, preventing numerous from exercising their democratic rights. These actions led to the production of a petition requiring global travel bans against him, citing his function 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 leadership design and alleged use of union resources for individual gain as substantial concerns.

The group specified, "MC Oluomo's management design is undesirable. He utilized union resources for individual gain, neglecting members' welfare." They also raised issues about his capability to effectively lead the national body, pointing to 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 actually evolved from a basic trade union into a powerful political force. With nearly 2 million members, the union has actually become deeply embedded in Nigeria's political landscape, typically acting as an important grassroots mobilization tool for politicians.

The union's structure, which extends from significant cities to remote locations, has actually made it an attractive partner for political stars seeking to establish control over local neighborhoods. This has actually resulted in transforming what was originally a transportation workers' union into what some critics describe 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 various reports, he has been instrumental in the Southwest's political campaigns and mobilization efforts, including significant involvement in the 2018 Osun State governorship election and subsequent political contests.

His methods of operation have actually typically been slammed for blurring the lines in between genuine union activities and political thuggery. During the 2023 elections, his organization was accused of disrupting ballot systems and intimidating citizens, especially those perceived to be opposition fans.

Legal Challenges and Institutional Response

The questionable nature of MC Oluomo's management has actually resulted in different legal obstacles. 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 necessary electoral processes.

Future Implications

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

While his advocates commemorate his ability to keep order and structure within the transport sector, critics worry about the possible across the country expansion of what they see as a harmful blend of transport union power and political impact.

The consultation likewise raises more comprehensive concerns about the requirement for reform within Nigeria's transport union structure and the relationship between labour unions and political power.

As the country continues to face issues of democratic consolidation and ethnic harmony, the role of prominent union leaders like MC Oluomo will likely stay a topic of extreme debate and examination.

This development 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 procedures.

As MC Oluomo starts his tenure as National President, his actions will be carefully enjoyed by supporters and critics alike, with substantial implications for the transportation sector and Nigeria's broader political landscape.