MC 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 sparked both celebration and concern throughout Nigeria’s transport sector, Musiliu Akinsanya, widely referred to as MC Oluomo, has emerged as the National President of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) following an agreement 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 considerable turning point in the controversial figure’s career trajectory while raising severe questions about the crossway 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 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 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, mentioning, “I have forgiven everybody who offended me, and I wish those I upset would forgive me too. This is our union, and we should be committed to its preservation. We will not enable anyone to damage our methods of income.”

A Controversial Past

However, MC Oluomo’s ascension to the national presidency comes with substantial luggage and debate.

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

Most notably, during the 2023 basic elections, MC Oluomo gained 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, warning them to either vote for the judgment All Progressives Congress (APC) or stay at home. While he later on declared the statement was a joke made to a good friend nicknamed “Iya Chukwudi,” the incident caused extensive condemnation and calls for his arrest.

The aftermath of his dangers materialized in election day violence, where political punks allegedly carried out civil-war-era-style “eye tests” to identify Igbo voters, avoiding lots of from exercising their democratic rights. These actions led to the creation of a petition calling for global travel bans versus him, mentioning his function 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 leadership style and declared use of union resources for individual gain as substantial concerns.

The group stated, “MC Oluomo’s management design is inappropriate. He utilized union resources for individual gain, disregarding members’ welfare.” They likewise raised concerns about his capability to efficiently 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 successor to the Nigerian Road Transport Union, has actually 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 working as a crucial grassroots mobilization tool for politicians.

The union’s structure, which extends from significant cities to remote areas, has actually made it an appealing partner for political stars looking for to develop control over regional neighborhoods. This has led to changing what was initially a transport employees’ union into what some critics describe as an advanced network for political mobilization and, sometimes, intimidation.

Political Influence and Violence

MC Oluomo’s increase exhibits the complex relationship 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 participation in the 2018 Osun State governorship election and subsequent political contests.

His methods of operation have actually frequently been criticized for blurring the lines between genuine union activities and political thuggery. Throughout the 2023 elections, his company was implicated of interfering with ballot systems and frightening citizens, especially those viewed to be opposition advocates.

Legal Challenges and Institutional Response

The controversial nature of MC Oluomo’s leadership has actually resulted in various legal obstacles. Notable among these was a court order during 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 processes.

Future Implications

As MC Oluomo presumes the national leadership of the NURTW, questions stay about the union’s future instructions and function in Nigeria’s political landscape.

While his supporters celebrate his capability to preserve order and structure within the transportation sector, critics worry about the potential nationwide expansion of what they view as a harmful fusion of transport union power and political impact.

The visit also raises wider concerns about the need for reform within Nigeria’s transport union structure and the relationship between labour unions and political power.

As the country continues to face concerns of democratic consolidation and ethnic consistency, the function of influential union leaders like MC Oluomo will likely remain a topic of extreme argument 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 country’s political processes.

As MC Oluomo begins his tenure as National President, his actions will be carefully watched by fans and critics alike, with significant ramifications for the transportation sector and Nigeria’s more comprehensive political landscape.