MC Oluomo elected NURTW national president – TVC News

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

In a development that has stimulated both event and issue throughout Nigeria’s transport sector, Musiliu Ayinde Akinsanya Akinsanya, widely referred to as MC Oluomo, has 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 occurred 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 major questions about the crossway 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 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 required unity within the union, stating, “I have forgiven everybody who angered me, and I want those I offended would forgive me too. This is our union, and we should be committed to its conservation. We will not permit anyone to ruin our methods of livelihood.”

A Controversial Past

Nevertheless, MC Oluomo’s ascension to the national presidency comes with significant baggage and controversy.

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

Most notably, during the 2023 basic elections, MC Oluomo got 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, cautioning them to either elect the judgment All Progressives Congress (APC) or stay at home. While he later declared the statement was a joke made to a friend nicknamed “Iya Chukwudi,” the occurrence led to extensive condemnation and requires his arrest.

The after-effects of his threats emerged in election day violence, where political goons presumably conducted civil-war-era-style “eye tests” to identify Igbo voters, preventing lots of from exercising their democratic rights. These actions caused the development of a petition requiring global 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 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 leadership design and alleged use of union resources for personal gain as significant concerns.

The group mentioned, “MC Oluomo’s management design is undesirable. He utilized union resources for personal gain, neglecting members’ welfare.” They likewise raised issues about his capability to successfully lead the nationwide 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 evolved from a basic trade union into a powerful political force. With almost 2 million members, the union has become deeply embedded in Nigeria’s political landscape, frequently working as a crucial grassroots mobilization tool for politicians.

The union’s structure, which extends from major cities to remote locations, has made it an appealing partner for political stars seeking to establish control over local communities. This has resulted in changing what was initially a transport workers’ union into what some critics describe as a sophisticated network for political mobilization and, often, intimidation.

Political Influence and Violence

MC Oluomo’s increase exemplifies the complex relationship in between transportation unions and political power in Nigeria. As recorded in numerous reports, he has actually contributed in the Southwest’s political campaigns and mobilization efforts, including 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 between legitimate union activities and political thuggery. Throughout the 2023 elections, his organization was accused of interfering with ballot units and frightening citizens, particularly those perceived to be opposition fans.

Legal Challenges and Institutional Response

The controversial nature of MC Oluomo’s management has actually led to numerous legal obstacles. Notable among these was a court order during the 2023 elections that prevented INEC from engaging his services to disperse election materials in Lagos State, highlighting concerns about the politicization of essential electoral processes.

Future Implications

As MC Oluomo presumes the national leadership of the NURTW, questions stay about the union’s future direction and function in Nigeria’s political landscape.

While his supporters commemorate his capability to preserve order and structure within the transport sector, critics fret about the prospective across the country growth of what they view as an unsafe blend of transport union power and political influence.

The appointment also raises wider concerns about the requirement for reform within Nigeria’s transport union structure and the relationship in between labour unions and political power.

As the country continues to grapple with issues of democratic combination and ethnic consistency, the function of influential union leaders like MC Oluomo will likely remain a subject of intense argument and scrutiny.

This development acts as a defining moment for reflection on the state of Nigeria’s democratic institutions and the impact of non-state actors in the nation’s political procedures.

As MC Oluomo starts his period as National President, his actions will be closely enjoyed by advocates and critics alike, with significant implications for the transportation sector and Nigeria’s broader political landscape.