MC Oluomo elected NURTW national president – TVC News

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

In an advancement that has triggered both event and issue throughout Nigeria’s transport sector, Musiliu Ayinde Akinsanya Akinsanya, commonly referred to 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 took place at the Union’s Zonal Secretariat along the Osogbo/Ikirun road in Osun State, marks a significant milestone in the controversial figure’s career trajectory while raising severe 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 process 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 also 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 everyone who angered me, and I wish those I upset would forgive me too. This is our union, and we should be committed to its conservation. We will not enable anyone to ruin our means of income.”

A Controversial Past

However, MC Oluomo’s ascension to the nationwide presidency features substantial luggage and controversy.

Accusations 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 especially, throughout the 2023 basic elections, MC Oluomo acquired national attention for his controversial role in election-related violence and citizen intimidation.

He was captured 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 claimed the statement was a joke made to a buddy nicknamed “Iya Chukwudi,” the occurrence led to widespread condemnation and requires his arrest.

The after-effects of his hazards materialized in election day violence, where political punks apparently conducted civil-war-era-style “eye tests” to identify Igbo citizens, preventing lots of from exercising their democratic rights. These actions led to the production of a petition requiring worldwide 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 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 cited his doubtful management style and alleged use of union resources for individual gain as considerable issues.

The group stated, “MC Oluomo’s leadership style is unacceptable. He used union resources for individual gain, neglecting members’ well-being.” They likewise raised issues about his capability to successfully lead the national 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 developed from an easy trade union into an effective political force. With almost 2 million members, the union has actually become deeply embedded in Nigeria’s political landscape, often serving as an important grassroots mobilization tool for politicians.

The union’s structure, which extends from major cities to remote areas, has made it an attractive partner for political stars looking for to develop control over regional communities. This has resulted in changing what was initially a transportation employees’ union into what some critics refer to as an advanced network for political mobilization and, in some cases, intimidation.

Political Influence and Violence

MC Oluomo’s increase exemplifies the complex relationship between transport unions and political power in Nigeria. As recorded in various reports, he has actually been instrumental in the Southwest’s political campaigns and mobilization efforts, consisting of significant involvement in the 2018 Osun State governorship election and subsequent political contests.

His methods of operation have actually frequently been criticized for blurring the lines in between legitimate union activities and political thuggery. During the 2023 elections, his company was accused of interfering with polling systems and daunting voters, especially those perceived to be opposition supporters.

Legal Challenges and Institutional Response

The controversial nature of MC Oluomo’s leadership has led to different legal obstacles. Notable 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 concerns about the politicization of essential electoral procedures.

Future Implications

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

While his advocates celebrate his ability to preserve order and structure within the transportation sector, critics fret about the possible nationwide growth of what they see as an unsafe fusion of transport union power and political impact.

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

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

This development works as a critical moment for reflection on the state of Nigeria’s democratic institutions and the influence of non-state stars in the country’s political processes.

As MC Oluomo begins his tenure as National President, his actions will be carefully enjoyed by supporters and critics alike, with substantial ramifications for the transportation sector and Nigeria’s wider political landscape.