National Union of Road Transport Workers

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 celebration and issue across Nigeria’s transportation sector, Musiliu Akinsanya, popularly called 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 happened at the Union’s Zonal Secretariat along the Osogbo/Ikirun road in Osun State, marks a considerable milestone in the controversial figure’s profession 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– took part in the election, which saw MC Oluomo as the sole candidate.

The procedure 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 consultation 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, stating, “I have actually forgiven everyone who offended me, and I wish those I offended would forgive me also. This is our union, and we should be committed to its preservation. We will not enable anyone to ruin our methods of livelihood.”

A Controversial Past

Nevertheless, MC Oluomo’s ascension to the nationwide presidency features considerable baggage and debate.

Claims 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 significantly, during the 2023 basic elections, MC Oluomo acquired nationwide attention for his controversial role in election-related violence and voter intimidation.

He was recorded on video making threats versus Igbo voters in Lagos State, warning them to either choose the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) or stay at home. While he later declared the statement was a joke made to a pal nicknamed “Iya Chukwudi,” the event resulted in widespread condemnation and requires his arrest.

The aftermath of his risks materialized in election day violence, where political goons apparently conducted civil-war-era-style “eye tests” to determine Igbo citizens, preventing numerous from exercising their democratic rights. These actions led to the development of a petition calling for international travel bans versus him, citing his function in prompting ethnic violence.

Opposition and Concerns

The Concerned Transporters in South West of Nigeria, a group of transportation 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 cited his doubtful leadership style and declared use of union resources for individual gain as significant concerns.

The group specified, “MC Oluomo’s management design is unacceptable. He utilized union resources for personal gain, overlooking members’ welfare.” They likewise raised issues about his capability 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 basic trade union into an effective political force. With almost 2 million members, the union has become deeply embedded in Nigeria’s political landscape, typically acting as a crucial grassroots mobilization tool for political leaders.

The union’s structure, which extends from significant cities to remote areas, has made it an attractive partner for political stars seeking to develop control over local neighborhoods. This has resulted in transforming what was originally a transport employees’ union into what some critics refer to as an advanced network for political mobilization and, often, intimidation.

Political Influence and Violence

MC Oluomo’s rise exhibits the complex relationship between transportation unions and political power in Nigeria. As recorded in various reports, he has contributed in the Southwest’s political campaigns and mobilization efforts, including noteworthy participation in the 2018 Osun State governorship election and subsequent political contests.

His methods of operation have often been criticized for blurring the lines between genuine union activities and political thuggery. During the 2023 elections, his company was implicated of interfering with polling systems and frightening citizens, particularly those perceived to be opposition advocates.

Legal Challenges and Institutional Response

The controversial nature of MC Oluomo’s management has caused numerous 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 necessary electoral procedures.

Future Implications

As MC Oluomo assumes the national management of the NURTW, concerns stay about the union’s future instructions and function in Nigeria’s political landscape.

While his advocates commemorate his capability to keep order and structure within the transportation sector, critics worry about the prospective nationwide growth of what they view as an unsafe fusion of transportation union power and political influence.

The visit also raises more comprehensive questions about the requirement for reform within Nigeria’s transportation union structure and the relationship between labour unions and political power.

As the country continues to face issues of democratic debt consolidation and ethnic consistency, the role of influential union leaders like MC Oluomo will likely stay a topic of intense debate 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 processes.

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