MC Oluomo elected NURTW National President – Nairaland

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

In a development that has actually sparked both celebration and concern across Nigeria’s transport sector, Musiliu Ayinde Akinsanya Akinsanya, popularly known as 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 significant milestone in the controversial figure’s career trajectory while raising major concerns about the crossway of transport 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 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 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 called for unity within the union, stating, “I have forgiven everyone who upset me, and I wish those I upset would forgive me as well. This is our union, and we should be devoted to its conservation. We will not permit anybody to ruin our means of income.”

A Controversial Past

Nevertheless, MC Oluomo’s ascension to the nationwide presidency comes with substantial baggage and debate.

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 significantly, during the 2023 general elections, MC Oluomo got nationwide attention for his questionable role in election-related violence and citizen intimidation.

He was recorded on video making threats versus Igbo voters in Lagos State, alerting them to either elect the judgment All Progressives Congress (APC) or remain at home. While he later on claimed the statement was a joke made to a good friend nicknamed “Iya Chukwudi,” the incident led to widespread condemnation and requires his arrest.

The after-effects of his threats materialized in election day violence, where political hooligans allegedly conducted civil-war-era-style “eye tests” to recognize Igbo citizens, avoiding many from exercising their democratic rights. These actions resulted in the development of a petition requiring international travel restrictions against him, mentioning his role in prompting ethnic violence.

Opposition and Concerns

The Concerned Transporters in South West of Nigeria, a group of transportation workers, has actually emphatically 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 declared use of union resources for personal gain as considerable issues.

The group stated, “MC Oluomo’s management style is unacceptable. He utilized union resources for individual gain, ignoring members’ well-being.” They likewise raised concerns about his ability to effectively 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 follower to the Nigerian Road Transport Union, has evolved from an easy trade union into a powerful political force. With nearly 2 million members, the union has actually become deeply embedded in Nigeria’s political landscape, frequently serving as an important grassroots mobilization tool for political leaders.

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

Political Influence and Violence

MC Oluomo’s rise exemplifies the complex relationship between transportation unions and political power in Nigeria. As recorded in different reports, he has actually been instrumental in the Southwest’s political campaigns and mobilization efforts, including notable involvement in the 2018 Osun State governorship election and subsequent political contests.

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

Legal Challenges and Institutional Response

The questionable nature of MC Oluomo’s management has actually caused different legal obstacles. Significant amongst these was a court order during the 2023 elections that avoided INEC from engaging his services to disperse election products in Lagos State, highlighting concerns about the politicization of important electoral procedures.

Future Implications

As MC Oluomo assumes the nationwide management of the NURTW, questions remain about the union’s future direction and role in Nigeria’s political landscape.

While his advocates commemorate his capability to maintain order and structure within the transport sector, critics fret about the possible nationwide growth of what they view as a hazardous fusion of transportation union power and political influence.

The consultation also raises more comprehensive concerns about the requirement for reform within Nigeria’s transport 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 prominent union leaders like MC Oluomo will likely stay a subject of intense argument and scrutiny.

This development works as a defining 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 carefully viewed by supporters and critics alike, with considerable implications for the transportation sector and Nigeria’s broader political landscape.