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MC Oluomo elected NURTW National President – Tunde Ednut
MC Oluomo’s Controversial Rise: From Transport Union Leader to National NURTW President
In an advancement that has actually sparked both celebration and concern across Nigeria’s transportation sector, Musiliu Ayinde Akinsanya Akinsanya, widely called MC Oluomo, has 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 roadway in Osun State, marks a considerable milestone in the controversial figure’s profession trajectory while raising severe concerns about the crossway of transportation unions and political power in Nigeria.
The Rise to Power
Delegates from four 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 also resulted in 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 upset me, and I wish those I upset would forgive me also. This is our union, and we should be devoted to its preservation. We will not permit anyone to destroy our methods of income.”
A Controversial Past
However, MC Oluomo’s ascension to the nationwide presidency includes significant baggage and debate.
Claims of violence, political intimidation, and the weaponization of transport union structures for political functions marked his period as the chairman of the Lagos State chapter of NURTW.
Most significantly, during the 2023 general 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, cautioning them to either choose 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 incident caused extensive condemnation and requires his arrest.
The aftermath of his dangers materialized in election day violence, where political thugs presumably conducted civil-war-era-style “eye tests” to recognize Igbo voters, avoiding numerous from exercising their democratic rights. These actions led to the development of a petition calling for worldwide travel restrictions against him, citing his role in prompting 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 leadership style and declared use of union resources for personal gain as considerable issues.
The group mentioned, “MC Oluomo’s management style is inappropriate. He used union resources for individual gain, disregarding members’ welfare.” They likewise raised issues about his capability to successfully lead the nationwide body, indicating his history of conflicts with previous leaders and his controversial management style.
The NURTW’s Evolution
The NURTW, formed in 1978 as a follower to the Nigerian Road Transport Union, has evolved from an easy trade union into a powerful political force. With almost 2 million members, the union has ended up being deeply embedded in Nigeria’s political landscape, typically serving as an important grassroots mobilization tool for politicians.
The union’s structure, which extends from major cities to remote locations, has made it an attractive partner for political stars seeking to establish control over regional neighborhoods. This has actually led to changing what was initially a transportation employees’ 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 exhibits the complex relationship between transportation unions and political power in Nigeria. As documented in various 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 actually typically been slammed for blurring the lines between legitimate union activities and political thuggery. During the 2023 elections, his organization was accused of interfering with polling systems and intimidating citizens, especially those viewed to be opposition fans.
Legal Challenges and Institutional Response
The controversial nature of MC Oluomo’s management has led to various legal difficulties. Notable among these was a court order throughout the 2023 elections that avoided INEC from engaging his services to disperse election products in Lagos State, highlighting concerns about the politicization of necessary electoral processes.
Future Implications
As MC Oluomo assumes the nationwide management of the NURTW, concerns stay about the union’s future direction and role in Nigeria’s political landscape.
While his advocates celebrate his capability to preserve order and structure within the transport sector, critics fret about the prospective across the country expansion of what they see as a dangerous combination of transport union power and political impact.
The visit likewise raises more comprehensive 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 face issues of democratic combination and ethnic harmony, the role of influential union leaders like MC Oluomo will likely remain a subject of intense debate and analysis.
This development works as a defining moment for reflection on the state of Nigeria’s democratic institutions and the influence of non-state actors in the country’s political procedures.
As MC Oluomo starts his tenure as National President, his actions will be closely enjoyed by supporters and critics alike, with significant ramifications for the transportation sector and Nigeria’s more comprehensive political landscape.