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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 stimulated both event and concern throughout Nigeria’s transport sector, Musiliu Akinsanya, commonly known as MC Oluomo, has actually emerged as 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 turning point in the questionable figure’s profession trajectory while raising severe 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– participated 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 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 called for unity within the union, specifying, “I have forgiven everyone who offended me, and I want those I upset would forgive me as well. This is our union, and we should be devoted to its preservation. We will not enable anyone to ruin our means of livelihood.”
A Controversial Past
Nevertheless, MC Oluomo’s ascension to the nationwide presidency includes considerable luggage and controversy.
Claims of violence, political intimidation, and the weaponization of transport union structures for political purposes marked his tenure as the chairman of the Lagos State chapter of NURTW.
Most significantly, during the 2023 basic elections, MC Oluomo acquired nationwide attention for his controversial function in election-related violence and voter intimidation.
He was caught on video making threats versus Igbo voters in Lagos State, warning them to either elect the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) or remain at home. While he later on claimed the statement was a joke made to a friend nicknamed “Iya Chukwudi,” the incident caused prevalent condemnation and calls for his arrest.
The after-effects of his threats materialized in election day violence, where political thugs supposedly carried out civil-war-era-style “eye tests” to identify Igbo voters, avoiding lots of from exercising their democratic rights. These actions resulted in the production of a petition calling for global travel bans versus him, citing 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 mentioned his questionable management style and declared use of union resources for personal gain as substantial issues.
The group stated, “MC Oluomo’s management style is inappropriate. He utilized union resources for personal gain, ignoring members’ welfare.” They likewise raised issues about his ability to effectively 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 successor to the Nigerian Road Transport Union, has developed from a basic trade union into a powerful political force. With nearly 2 million members, the union has actually ended up being deeply embedded in Nigeria’s political landscape, typically acting as a crucial grassroots mobilization tool for politicians.
The union’s structure, which extends from major cities to remote locations, has actually made it an appealing partner for political actors looking for to develop control over local communities. This has actually led to transforming 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 rise exhibits the complex relationship between transportation unions and political power in Nigeria. As documented in various reports, he has been instrumental in the Southwest’s political campaigns and mobilization efforts, consisting of notable participation in the 2018 Osun State governorship election and subsequent political contests.
His methods of operation have frequently been criticized for blurring the lines between legitimate union activities and political thuggery. During the 2023 elections, his organization was implicated of disrupting ballot systems and daunting citizens, particularly those viewed to be opposition supporters.
Legal Challenges and Institutional Response
The questionable nature of MC Oluomo’s leadership has led to numerous legal difficulties. Notable amongst these was a court order throughout the 2023 elections that prevented INEC from engaging his services to disperse election products in Lagos State, highlighting concerns about the politicization of vital electoral procedures.
Future Implications
As MC Oluomo presumes the nationwide leadership of the NURTW, questions remain about the union’s future direction and role in Nigeria’s political landscape.
While his supporters celebrate his ability to maintain order and structure within the transport sector, critics worry about the prospective across the country expansion of what they see as an unsafe fusion of transportation union power and political impact.
The visit likewise 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 grapple with concerns of democratic combination and ethnic harmony, the function of prominent union leaders like MC Oluomo will likely stay a topic of extreme argument and examination.
This advancement serves as a defining moment for reflection on the state of Nigeria’s democratic institutions and the impact of non-state stars in the nation’s political procedures.
As MC Oluomo begins his tenure as National President, his actions will be closely seen by supporters and critics alike, with considerable implications for the transportation sector and Nigeria’s broader political landscape.