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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 a development that has actually sparked both event and issue throughout Nigeria’s transport sector, Musiliu Akinsanya, commonly known as MC Oluomo, has 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 occurred at the Union’s Zonal Secretariat along the Osogbo/Ikirun road in Osun State, marks a substantial milestone in the controversial figure’s career trajectory while raising serious concerns 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– participated in the election, which saw MC Oluomo as the sole candidate.

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 also led to the visit 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 actually forgiven everyone who angered me, and I wish those I angered would forgive me too. This is our union, and we must be devoted to its conservation. We will not allow anyone to ruin our methods of income.”

A Controversial Past

However, MC Oluomo’s ascension to the national presidency includes considerable luggage and controversy.

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

Most notably, during the 2023 general 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, alerting them to either choose the judgment All Progressives Congress (APC) or remain at home. While he later claimed the declaration was a joke made to a good friend nicknamed “Iya Chukwudi,” the occurrence caused widespread condemnation and calls for his arrest.

The aftermath of his hazards materialized in election day violence, where political criminals allegedly performed civil-war-era-style “eye tests” to recognize Igbo voters, preventing lots of from exercising their democratic rights. These actions led to the development of a petition calling for international travel bans against him, mentioning his role in inciting ethnic violence.

Opposition and Concerns

The Concerned Transporters in South West of Nigeria, a group of transport employees, has actually vehemently opposed MC Oluomo’s rise to power. In a communique signed by Comrade Taiwo Ariyo and Alhaji Ahmed Ibrahim, the group cited his questionable leadership style and alleged use of union resources for personal gain as significant concerns.

The group mentioned, “MC Oluomo’s leadership style is unacceptable. He used union resources for individual gain, disregarding members’ welfare.” They likewise raised issues about his ability to effectively lead the national body, pointing to his history of conflicts with previous leaders and his questionable management design.

The NURTW’s Evolution

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

The union’s structure, which extends from major cities to remote locations, has made it an appealing partner for political stars seeking to develop control over regional communities. This has resulted in changing what was originally a transportation workers’ union into what some critics refer to as an advanced network for political mobilization and, sometimes, intimidation.

Political Influence and Violence

MC Oluomo’s rise exemplifies the complex relationship in between transport unions and political power in Nigeria. As recorded in numerous reports, he has contributed in the Southwest’s political campaigns and mobilization efforts, consisting of significant participation in the 2018 Osun State governorship election and subsequent political contests.

His methods of operation have frequently been slammed for blurring the lines in between genuine union activities and political thuggery. Throughout the 2023 elections, his organization was implicated of interfering with ballot systems and daunting citizens, particularly those perceived to be opposition advocates.

Legal Challenges and Institutional Response

The controversial nature of MC Oluomo’s leadership has actually caused different legal difficulties. Notable 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 essential electoral procedures.

Future Implications

As MC Oluomo presumes the nationwide leadership of the NURTW, concerns stay about the union’s future instructions and role in Nigeria’s political landscape.

While his fans commemorate his capability to keep order and structure within the transport sector, critics stress over the possible nationwide expansion of what they see as a harmful combination of transport union power and political impact.

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

As the nation continues to grapple with problems of democratic combination and ethnic harmony, the function of prominent union leaders like MC Oluomo will likely stay a topic of intense debate and analysis.

This advancement 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 seen by supporters and critics alike, with substantial ramifications for the transportation sector and Nigeria’s more comprehensive political landscape.

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