MC Oluomo elected NURTW national president – Peoples Gazette News

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

In a development that has triggered both celebration and concern throughout Nigeria’s transportation sector, Musiliu Ayinde Akinsanya Akinsanya, widely referred to as MC Oluomo, has actually 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 road in Osun State, marks a considerable milestone in the questionable figure’s career trajectory while raising severe concerns about the intersection of transport unions and political power in Nigeria.

The Rise to Power

Delegates from four 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 appointment of Tajudeen Agbede as Vice President of South-West and Akeem Adeosun as trustee from the zone.

In his approval speech, MC Oluomo called for unity within the union, mentioning, “I have actually forgiven everybody who upset me, and I wish those I angered would forgive me as well. This is our union, and we should be dedicated to its preservation. We will not allow anybody to destroy our means of income.”

A Controversial Past

Nevertheless, MC Oluomo’s ascension to the national presidency includes significant luggage and controversy.

Accusations 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 significantly, throughout the 2023 general elections, MC Oluomo got nationwide attention for his controversial role in election-related violence and citizen intimidation.

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

The after-effects of his dangers emerged in election day violence, where political goons allegedly carried out civil-war-era-style “eye tests” to recognize Igbo voters, avoiding numerous from exercising their democratic rights. These actions led to the development of a petition calling for global travel restrictions against him, mentioning his function in inciting ethnic violence.

Opposition and Concerns

The Concerned Transporters in South West of Nigeria, a group of transportation 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 leadership design and declared use of union resources for personal gain as considerable concerns.

The group stated, “MC Oluomo’s leadership style is unacceptable. He used union resources for personal gain, disregarding members’ well-being.” They likewise raised issues about his capability to successfully 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 actually developed from a basic trade union into an effective political force. With almost 2 million members, the union has become deeply embedded in Nigeria’s political landscape, frequently working as an essential grassroots mobilization tool for politicians.

The union’s structure, which extends from major cities to remote areas, has made it an appealing partner for political stars looking for to develop control over local neighborhoods. This has caused 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 rise exhibits the complex relationship between transportation unions and political power in Nigeria. As documented in numerous reports, he has actually contributed 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 often been slammed for blurring the lines in between legitimate union activities and political thuggery. Throughout the 2023 elections, his organization was implicated of interfering with ballot units and intimidating citizens, especially those perceived to be opposition supporters.

Legal Challenges and Institutional Response

The questionable nature of MC Oluomo’s leadership has actually led to different legal challenges. Significant amongst these was a court order during the 2023 elections that prevented INEC from engaging his services to distribute election products in Lagos State, highlighting issues about the politicization of vital electoral processes.

Future Implications

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

While his advocates celebrate his ability to preserve order and structure within the transportation sector, critics worry about the prospective across the country expansion of what they see as an unsafe fusion of transportation union power and political influence.

The appointment also raises more comprehensive concerns about the need for reform within Nigeria’s transportation union structure and the relationship in between labour unions and political power.

As the country continues to grapple with concerns of democratic consolidation and ethnic harmony, the function of prominent union leaders like MC Oluomo will likely remain a subject of intense debate and scrutiny.

This development acts as a critical moment for reflection on the state of Nigeria’s democratic organizations and the influence of non-state actors in the nation’s political processes.

As MC Oluomo begins his period as National President, his actions will be closely watched by advocates and critics alike, with substantial ramifications for the transportation sector and Nigeria’s wider political landscape.