MC Oluomo elected NURTW National President - Daily Trust

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

In a development that has actually sparked both event and issue throughout Nigeria's transport sector, Musiliu Ayinde Akinsanya Akinsanya, widely 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 occurred at the Union's Zonal Secretariat along the Osogbo/Ikirun road in Osun State, marks a considerable turning point in the controversial figure's career trajectory while raising severe 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 resulted in 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 required unity within the union, stating, "I have forgiven everybody who offended me, and I want those I upset would forgive me as well. This is our union, and we should be dedicated to its conservation. We will not permit anybody to destroy our ways of livelihood."

A Controversial Past

Nevertheless, MC Oluomo's ascension to the nationwide presidency features significant luggage and controversy.

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, throughout the 2023 basic elections, MC Oluomo got national attention for his questionable role in election-related violence and citizen intimidation.

He was captured on video making threats versus Igbo voters in Lagos State, cautioning them to either elect the judgment All Progressives Congress (APC) or stay at home. While he later on declared the declaration was a joke made to a pal nicknamed "Iya Chukwudi," the occurrence caused extensive condemnation and requires his arrest.

The after-effects of his threats materialized in election day violence, where political criminals apparently carried out civil-war-era-style "eye tests" to identify Igbo voters, preventing numerous from exercising their democratic rights. These actions resulted in the development of a petition requiring international travel bans against him, citing his role in inciting ethnic violence.

Opposition and Concerns

The Concerned Transporters in South West of Nigeria, a group of transport 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 mentioned his doubtful leadership style and alleged use of union resources for individual gain as substantial concerns.

The group stated, "MC Oluomo's leadership style is unacceptable. He utilized union resources for individual gain, ignoring 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 successor to the Nigerian Road Transport Union, has evolved from a basic trade union into an effective political force. With almost 2 million members, the union has actually become deeply embedded in Nigeria's political landscape, frequently acting as a crucial grassroots mobilization tool for political leaders.

The union's structure, which extends from major cities to remote areas, has made it an attractive partner for political actors seeking to develop control over local neighborhoods. This has led to changing what was originally a transport workers' union into what some critics describe as a sophisticated network for political mobilization and, in some cases, intimidation.

Political Influence and Violence

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

His methods of operation have actually often been slammed for blurring the lines between genuine union activities and political thuggery. During the 2023 elections, his company was accused of interfering with ballot units and frightening voters, particularly those perceived to be opposition advocates.

Legal Challenges and Institutional Response

The controversial nature of MC Oluomo's leadership has actually resulted in numerous legal challenges. Significant amongst these was a court order during the 2023 elections that prevented INEC from engaging his services to distribute election products in Lagos State, highlighting concerns about the politicization of vital electoral processes.

Future Implications

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

While his fans commemorate his capability to maintain order and structure within the transport sector, critics stress over the prospective nationwide growth of what they view as a harmful blend of transport union power and political impact.

The visit also raises broader questions about the need for reform within Nigeria's transportation union structure and the relationship in between labour unions and political power.

As the nation continues to come to grips with problems of democratic consolidation and ethnic consistency, the function of influential union leaders like MC Oluomo will likely remain a topic of intense debate and scrutiny.

This advancement works as a defining moment for reflection on the state of Nigeria's democratic institutions and the impact of non-state actors in the nation's political procedures.

As MC Oluomo starts his period as National President, his actions will be carefully viewed by advocates and critics alike, with substantial ramifications for the transportation sector and Nigeria's broader political landscape.