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MC Oluomo elected NURTW national president – Blueprint Newspapers Limited

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

In an advancement that has actually sparked both celebration and concern throughout Nigeria’s transportation sector, Musiliu Akinsanya, popularly 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 happened at the Union’s Zonal Secretariat along the Osogbo/Ikirun roadway in Osun State, marks a substantial milestone in the questionable figure’s profession trajectory while raising major concerns 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 prospect.

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 also 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 forgiven everyone who offended me, and I wish those I angered would forgive me also. This is our union, and we must be committed to its preservation. We will not permit anybody to ruin our ways of livelihood.»

A Controversial Past

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

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

Most significantly, during the 2023 basic elections, MC Oluomo gained national attention for his questionable function in election-related violence and citizen intimidation.

He was caught on video making threats against Igbo voters in Lagos State, cautioning them to either choose the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) or remain at home. While he later declared the statement was a joke made to a buddy nicknamed «Iya Chukwudi,» the event caused extensive condemnation and calls for his arrest.

The after-effects of his dangers emerged in election day violence, where political thugs allegedly performed civil-war-era-style «eye tests» to recognize Igbo citizens, preventing numerous from exercising their democratic rights. These actions caused the creation of a petition requiring worldwide travel restrictions versus him, mentioning his function in prompting 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 mentioned his doubtful management style and alleged use of union resources for individual gain as substantial concerns.

The group stated, «MC Oluomo’s management style is unacceptable. He used union resources for individual gain, ignoring members’ welfare.» They likewise raised issues about his ability to successfully lead the nationwide body, pointing to his history of conflicts with previous leaders and his controversial management style.

The NURTW’s Evolution

The NURTW, formed in 1978 as a successor to the Nigerian Road Transport Union, has developed from a simple trade union into a powerful political force. With almost 2 million members, the union has ended up being deeply embedded in Nigeria’s political landscape, often acting as a vital grassroots mobilization tool for politicians.

The union’s structure, which extends from major cities to remote areas, has actually made it an attractive partner for political stars looking for to develop control over local neighborhoods. This has led to changing what was originally a transport workers’ union into what some critics refer to as a sophisticated network for political mobilization and, often, intimidation.

Political Influence and Violence

MC Oluomo’s increase exemplifies the complex relationship in between transport unions and political power in Nigeria. As documented in numerous reports, he has been instrumental in the Southwest’s political campaigns and mobilization efforts, consisting of 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 ballot systems and frightening voters, particularly those viewed to be opposition fans.

Legal Challenges and Institutional Response

The questionable nature of MC Oluomo’s management has resulted in numerous legal obstacles. Significant among these was a court order during the 2023 elections that avoided INEC from engaging his services to distribute election products in Lagos State, highlighting issues about the politicization of essential electoral procedures.

Future Implications

As MC Oluomo presumes the nationwide leadership of the NURTW, questions stay about the union’s future direction and function in Nigeria’s political landscape.

While his supporters celebrate his capability to preserve order and structure within the transport sector, critics worry about the potential across the country expansion of what they see as a dangerous fusion of transport union power and political influence.

The visit also raises more comprehensive concerns about the need 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 debt consolidation and ethnic consistency, the role of prominent union leaders like MC Oluomo will likely stay a subject of extreme dispute and analysis.

This advancement acts as a defining moment for reflection on the state of Nigeria’s democratic organizations and the impact of non-state stars in the country’s political procedures.

As MC Oluomo starts his period as National President, his actions will be closely viewed by fans and critics alike, with substantial implications for the transportation sector and Nigeria’s wider political landscape.