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 actually triggered both event and issue across Nigeria’s transport sector, Musiliu Ayinde Akinsanya Akinsanya, commonly referred to as MC Oluomo, has actually 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 roadway in Osun State, marks a substantial milestone in the controversial figure’s profession trajectory while raising severe concerns about the intersection of transportation unions and political power in Nigeria.

The Rise to Power

Delegates from four South-West states– Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, and Ekiti– participated 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 led to the visit 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, specifying, “I have forgiven everyone who offended me, and I wish those I offended would forgive me as well. This is our union, and we need to be dedicated to its conservation. We will not enable anybody to damage our ways of livelihood.”

A Controversial Past

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

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

Most notably, during the 2023 basic elections, MC Oluomo acquired national attention for his controversial function 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 stay at home. While he later claimed the statement was a joke made to a buddy nicknamed “Iya Chukwudi,” the event caused extensive condemnation and calls for his arrest.

The after-effects of his hazards emerged in election day violence, where political criminals presumably performed civil-war-era-style “eye tests” to identify Igbo citizens, preventing many from exercising their democratic rights. These actions resulted in the production of a petition requiring worldwide travel bans against him, mentioning his role in prompting ethnic violence.

Opposition and Concerns

The Concerned Transporters in South West of Nigeria, a group of transport employees, has vehemently opposed MC Oluomo’s rise to power. In a communique signed by Comrade Taiwo Ariyo and Alhaji Ahmed Ibrahim, the group mentioned his doubtful management style and alleged use of union resources for personal gain as substantial issues.

The group stated, “MC Oluomo’s leadership design is unacceptable. He used union resources for personal gain, ignoring members’ welfare.” They likewise raised concerns about his capability to effectively lead the national body, pointing to his history of conflicts with previous leaders and his controversial management design.

The NURTW’s Evolution

The NURTW, formed in 1978 as a successor to the Nigerian Road Transport Union, has actually progressed from an easy trade union into an effective political force. With nearly 2 million members, the union has become deeply embedded in Nigeria’s political landscape, typically functioning as an important grassroots mobilization tool for political leaders.

The union’s structure, which extends from major cities to remote locations, has made it an appealing partner for political actors seeking to develop control over local neighborhoods. This has caused transforming what was originally a transportation employees’ union into what some critics describe as an advanced network for political mobilization and, often, intimidation.

Political Influence and Violence

MC Oluomo’s increase exemplifies the complex relationship between transport unions and political power in Nigeria. As documented in various 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 actually frequently been slammed for blurring the lines between legitimate union activities and political thuggery. During the 2023 elections, his organization was implicated of interrupting ballot units and frightening voters, especially those perceived to be opposition supporters.

Legal Challenges and Institutional Response

The questionable nature of MC Oluomo’s leadership has actually caused various legal obstacles. Noteworthy amongst these was a court order throughout the 2023 elections that prevented INEC from engaging his services to distribute election products in Lagos State, highlighting issues about the politicization of important electoral procedures.

Future Implications

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

While his fans commemorate his capability to keep order and structure within the transport sector, critics worry about the possible across the country expansion of what they view as an unsafe blend of transportation union power and political influence.

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

As the nation continues to face problems of democratic consolidation and ethnic consistency, the function of influential union leaders like MC Oluomo will likely stay a subject of intense debate and scrutiny.

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

As MC Oluomo starts his period as National President, his actions will be carefully viewed by fans and critics alike, with considerable implications for the transport sector and Nigeria’s broader political landscape.