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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 event and issue across Nigeria’s transport sector, Musiliu Akinsanya, commonly referred to as 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 took place 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 serious concerns about the intersection of transportation 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 prospect.

The process 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 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 called for unity within the union, specifying, “I have forgiven everyone who offended me, and I want those I angered would forgive me also. This is our union, and we must be committed to its conservation. We will not enable anyone to damage our means of income.”

A Controversial Past

However, MC Oluomo’s ascension to the nationwide presidency features significant baggage and controversy.

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

Most especially, during the 2023 general elections, MC Oluomo gained national attention for his controversial role in election-related violence and voter intimidation.

He was captured on video making threats versus Igbo citizens in Lagos State, cautioning them to either elect the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) or remain at home. While he later on claimed the declaration was a joke made to a buddy nicknamed “Iya Chukwudi,” the occurrence resulted in prevalent condemnation and calls for his arrest.

The aftermath of his hazards emerged in election day violence, where political hooligans presumably carried out civil-war-era-style “eye tests” to identify Igbo citizens, avoiding lots of from exercising their democratic rights. These actions led to the creation of a petition requiring international travel bans versus him, mentioning his role in inciting ethnic violence.

Opposition and Concerns

The Concerned Transporters in South West of Nigeria, a group of transportation 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 management design and alleged use of union resources for individual gain as substantial concerns.

The group specified, “MC Oluomo’s leadership style is undesirable. He utilized union resources for individual gain, ignoring members’ well-being.” They also raised issues about his capability to successfully lead the nationwide body, indicating his history of conflicts with previous leaders and his questionable management style.

The NURTW’s Evolution

The NURTW, formed in 1978 as a follower to the Nigerian Road Transport Union, has actually progressed from a simple trade union into an effective political force. With almost 2 million members, the union has ended up being deeply embedded in Nigeria’s political landscape, frequently working as a vital grassroots mobilization tool for political leaders.

The union’s structure, which extends from significant cities to remote locations, has made it an attractive partner for political actors looking for to develop control over local communities. This has actually caused transforming what was initially a transport employees’ union into what some critics describe as an advanced network for political mobilization and, in some cases, intimidation.

Political Influence and Violence

MC Oluomo’s increase exemplifies the complex relationship between transport unions and political power in Nigeria. As recorded in various reports, he has contributed 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 criticized for blurring the lines in between genuine union activities and political thuggery. During the 2023 elections, his company was accused of interfering with ballot systems and daunting voters, 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 obstacles. Noteworthy among these was a court order throughout the 2023 elections that avoided INEC from engaging his services to disperse election materials in Lagos State, highlighting concerns about the politicization of important electoral processes.

Future Implications

As MC Oluomo assumes the nationwide management of the NURTW, questions remain about the union’s future direction and role in Nigeria’s political landscape.

While his fans celebrate his ability to preserve order and structure within the transportation sector, critics stress over the potential nationwide expansion of what they see as an unsafe blend of transportation union power and political influence.

The appointment also 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 nation continues to face issues of democratic consolidation and ethnic harmony, the role of influential union leaders like MC Oluomo will likely remain a topic of intense debate and scrutiny.

This advancement serves as a critical moment for reflection on the state of Nigeria’s democratic institutions and the impact of non-state actors in the nation’s political processes.

As MC Oluomo begins his tenure as National President, his actions will be closely watched by fans and critics alike, with considerable implications for the transport sector and Nigeria’s wider political landscape.