NURTW

MC Oluomo elected NURTW National President – The Cable

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

In a development that has actually sparked both celebration and concern across Nigeria’s transport sector, Musiliu Ayinde Akinsanya Akinsanya, commonly called MC Oluomo, has actually become 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 road in Osun State, marks a considerable turning point in the questionable figure’s career trajectory while raising major questions 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– 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 appointment of Tajudeen Agbede as Vice President of South-West and Akeem Adeosun as trustee from the zone.

In his acceptance speech, MC Oluomo required unity within the union, mentioning, “I have forgiven everyone who upset me, and I want those I offended would forgive me also. This is our union, and we should be dedicated to its preservation. We will not allow anybody to damage our methods of livelihood.”

A Controversial Past

Nevertheless, MC Oluomo’s ascension to the nationwide presidency includes substantial baggage and debate.

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

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

He was captured on video making threats versus Igbo voters in Lagos State, warning them to either choose the judgment All Progressives Congress (APC) or remain at home. While he later on claimed the declaration was a joke made to a good friend nicknamed “Iya Chukwudi,” the occurrence caused prevalent condemnation and calls for his arrest.

The aftermath of his risks materialized in election day violence, where political criminals allegedly performed civil-war-era-style “eye tests” to determine Igbo voters, avoiding many from exercising their democratic rights. These actions caused the production of a petition requiring international travel bans versus him, citing his role 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 mentioned his questionable management style and alleged use of union resources for individual gain as significant concerns.

The group stated, “MC Oluomo’s leadership design is unacceptable. He utilized union resources for individual gain, disregarding members’ well-being.” They also raised concerns about his capability to efficiently lead the national 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 progressed from an easy trade union into an effective political force. With nearly 2 million members, the union has become deeply embedded in Nigeria’s political landscape, typically serving as a crucial 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 actors seeking to develop control over local neighborhoods. This has led to changing what was initially a transport employees’ union into what some critics describe as a sophisticated network for political mobilization and, in some cases, 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 various reports, he has contributed 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 criticized for blurring the lines in between legitimate union activities and political thuggery. During the 2023 elections, his organization was accused of interrupting polling units and daunting citizens, particularly those perceived to be opposition advocates.

Legal Challenges and Institutional Response

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

Future Implications

As MC Oluomo presumes the national leadership of the NURTW, questions remain about the union’s future instructions and role in Nigeria’s political landscape.

While his supporters celebrate his ability to keep order and structure within the transport sector, critics fret about the prospective nationwide expansion of what they view as a harmful fusion of transport union power and political impact.

The consultation likewise raises wider concerns about the need for reform within Nigeria’s transportation union structure and the relationship between labour unions and political power.

As the nation continues to grapple with issues of democratic consolidation and ethnic harmony, the role of influential union leaders like MC Oluomo will likely stay a topic of intense argument and scrutiny.

This development acts 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 processes.

As MC Oluomo starts his period as National President, his actions will be closely seen by fans and critics alike, with considerable ramifications for the transport sector and Nigeria’s more comprehensive political landscape.