Oluomo emerges 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 celebration and issue across Nigeria’s transport sector, Musiliu Akinsanya, widely known as MC Oluomo, has actually 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 happened at the Union’s Zonal Secretariat along the Osogbo/Ikirun road in Osun State, marks a substantial turning point in the controversial figure’s profession trajectory while raising major concerns about the crossway of transportation 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 process 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 approval speech, MC Oluomo required unity within the union, stating, “I have forgiven everybody who offended me, and I wish those I offended would forgive me also. This is our union, and we should be committed to its conservation. We will not permit anybody to ruin our ways of income.”

A Controversial Past

However, MC Oluomo’s ascension to the national presidency includes significant baggage and debate.

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

Most significantly, throughout the 2023 general elections, MC Oluomo got nationwide attention for his questionable function in election-related violence and voter intimidation.

He was caught on video making threats against Igbo citizens in Lagos State, cautioning them to either elect the judgment All Progressives Congress (APC) or remain at home. While he later on declared the declaration was a joke made to a pal nicknamed “Iya Chukwudi,” the incident caused extensive condemnation and requires his arrest.

The after-effects of his dangers emerged in election day violence, where political criminals allegedly carried out civil-war-era-style “eye tests” to recognize Igbo citizens, avoiding many from exercising their democratic rights. These actions led to the production of a petition requiring global travel restrictions versus him, citing his function in inciting ethnic violence.

Opposition and Concerns

The Concerned Transporters in South West of Nigeria, a group of transport workers, has 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 leadership style and declared use of union resources for individual gain as substantial issues.

The group stated, “MC Oluomo’s management design is undesirable. He used union resources for individual gain, overlooking members’ welfare.” They also raised concerns about his capability to effectively lead the national 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 evolved from an easy trade union into a powerful political force. With nearly 2 million members, the union has become deeply embedded in Nigeria’s political landscape, often acting as an essential grassroots mobilization tool for political leaders.

The union’s structure, which extends from major cities to remote locations, has actually made it an attractive partner for political stars seeking to develop control over local communities. This has caused changing what was initially a transport employees’ union into what some critics describe as an advanced network for political mobilization and, often, intimidation.

Political Influence and Violence

MC Oluomo’s rise exhibits the complex relationship in between transportation unions and political power in Nigeria. As documented in various reports, he has been instrumental 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 often been criticized for blurring the lines in between genuine union activities and political thuggery. During the 2023 elections, his organization was implicated of disrupting polling units and frightening citizens, particularly those perceived to be opposition supporters.

Legal Challenges and Institutional Response

The controversial nature of MC Oluomo’s leadership has actually led to various legal difficulties. Significant among these was a court order during 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 processes.

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 supporters commemorate his ability to keep order and structure within the transport sector, critics stress over the potential nationwide growth of what they view as an unsafe combination of transportation union power and political impact.

The visit likewise raises more comprehensive questions 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 issues of democratic consolidation and ethnic consistency, the role of prominent union leaders like MC Oluomo will likely stay a subject of intense debate and scrutiny.

This advancement works as a defining moment for reflection on the state of Nigeria’s democratic organizations and the impact of non-state stars in the country’s political processes.

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