MC Oluomo elected as NURTW president – Channels Television

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

In an advancement that has actually stimulated both celebration and issue throughout Nigeria’s transport sector, Musiliu Ayinde Akinsanya Akinsanya, widely known as MC Oluomo, has emerged as the National President of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) following a consensus 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 significant turning point in the controversial figure’s profession trajectory while raising serious concerns 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– participated in the election, which saw MC Oluomo as the sole prospect.

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 appointment of Tajudeen Agbede as Vice President of South-West and Akeem Adeosun as trustee from the zone.

In his acceptance speech, MC Oluomo required unity within the union, stating, “I have actually forgiven everybody who offended me, and I want those I angered would forgive me also. This is our union, and we must be devoted to its preservation. We will not permit anybody to destroy our means of income.”

A Controversial Past

However, MC Oluomo’s ascension to the national presidency comes with 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 especially, throughout the 2023 general elections, MC Oluomo got national attention for his controversial role in election-related violence and voter intimidation.

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

The after-effects of his threats materialized in election day violence, where political hooligans supposedly performed civil-war-era-style “eye tests” to determine Igbo voters, preventing numerous from exercising their democratic rights. These actions led to the production of a petition calling for global travel bans versus him, mentioning his role in inciting ethnic violence.

Opposition and Concerns

The Concerned Transporters in South West of Nigeria, a group of transport 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 doubtful management style and alleged use of union resources for individual gain as significant issues.

The group specified, “MC Oluomo’s management style is undesirable. He utilized union resources for individual gain, ignoring members’ well-being.” They also raised concerns about his capability to successfully lead the nationwide body, pointing to 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 actually progressed from a basic trade union into a powerful political force. With almost 2 million members, the union has actually become deeply embedded in Nigeria’s political landscape, typically serving as a vital grassroots mobilization tool for political leaders.

The union’s structure, which extends from significant cities to remote locations, has actually made it an appealing partner for political stars looking for to develop control over local communities. This has caused transforming what was originally a transport workers’ union into what some critics describe as an advanced network for political mobilization and, often, intimidation.

Political Influence and Violence

MC Oluomo’s rise exemplifies the complex relationship in between transportation unions and political power in Nigeria. As documented in various reports, he has actually contributed in the Southwest’s political campaigns and mobilization efforts, consisting of 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. Throughout the 2023 elections, his organization was implicated of interfering with ballot systems and intimidating citizens, particularly those viewed to be opposition supporters.

Legal Challenges and Institutional Response

The questionable nature of MC Oluomo’s management has actually caused numerous legal challenges. Significant amongst these was a court order during the 2023 elections that prevented INEC from engaging his services to distribute election materials in Lagos State, highlighting issues about the politicization of essential electoral processes.

Future Implications

As MC Oluomo assumes the nationwide leadership of the NURTW, concerns remain about the union’s future instructions and function in Nigeria’s political landscape.

While his fans commemorate his capability to maintain order and structure within the transportation sector, critics fret about the potential nationwide growth of what they see as an unsafe combination of transportation union power and political influence.

The appointment also raises more comprehensive concerns about the need for reform within Nigeria’s transportation union structure and the relationship in between labour unions and political power.

As the country continues to grapple with problems of democratic consolidation and ethnic consistency, the role of influential union leaders like MC Oluomo will likely stay a subject of extreme argument and examination.

This development functions as a defining moment for reflection on the state of Nigeria’s democratic organizations 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 carefully watched by advocates and critics alike, with considerable implications for the transport sector and Nigeria’s broader political landscape.