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MC Oluomo emerges NURTW President – Tunde Ednut

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

In a development that has actually triggered both event and concern across Nigeria’s transport sector, Musiliu Akinsanya, commonly referred to as MC Oluomo, has actually 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 took place at the Union’s Zonal Secretariat along the Osogbo/Ikirun road in Osun State, marks a considerable milestone in the questionable figure’s profession 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– participated in the election, which saw MC Oluomo as the sole prospect.

The procedure 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 led to the appointment of Tajudeen Agbede as Vice President of South-West and Akeem Adeosun as trustee from the zone.

In his approval speech, MC Oluomo called for unity within the union, stating, “I have forgiven everyone who offended me, and I wish those I offended would forgive me as well. This is our union, and we must be dedicated to its preservation. We will not enable anyone to destroy our means of livelihood.”

A Controversial Past

However, MC Oluomo’s ascension to the nationwide presidency comes with significant baggage and debate.

Claims 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 gained nationwide attention for his questionable function in election-related violence and voter intimidation.

He was caught on video making threats against Igbo voters in Lagos State, warning them to either choose 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 resulted in extensive condemnation and calls for his arrest.

The consequences of his threats materialized in election day violence, where political thugs allegedly carried out civil-war-era-style “eye tests” to determine Igbo voters, preventing many from exercising their democratic rights. These actions resulted in the production of a petition calling for worldwide travel restrictions versus him, mentioning his function in prompting ethnic violence.

Opposition and Concerns

The Concerned Transporters in South West of Nigeria, a group of transport workers, has vehemently opposed MC Oluomo’s rise to power. In a communique signed by Comrade Taiwo Ariyo and Alhaji Ahmed Ibrahim, the group cited his questionable management design and declared use of union resources for individual gain as substantial issues.

The group mentioned, “MC Oluomo’s management design is unacceptable. He used union resources for personal gain, disregarding members’ well-being.” They likewise raised concerns about his capability to effectively 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 follower to the Nigerian Road Transport Union, has actually evolved from a basic trade union into a powerful political force. With almost 2 million members, the union has actually ended up being deeply embedded in Nigeria’s political landscape, frequently serving as an essential grassroots mobilization tool for political leaders.

The union’s structure, which extends from major cities to remote areas, has actually made it an appealing partner for political actors seeking to establish control over regional neighborhoods. This has resulted in changing what was originally a transportation workers’ union into what some critics refer to as a sophisticated network for political mobilization and, sometimes, intimidation.

Political Influence and Violence

MC Oluomo’s increase exhibits the complex relationship between transport unions and political power in Nigeria. As recorded in numerous reports, he has actually been instrumental 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 often been slammed for blurring the lines between legitimate union activities and political thuggery. During the 2023 elections, his company was implicated of interfering with polling systems and daunting voters, particularly those perceived to be opposition supporters.

Legal Challenges and Institutional Response

The controversial nature of MC Oluomo’s management has actually caused 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 procedures.

Future Implications

As MC Oluomo assumes the national management of the NURTW, concerns remain about the union’s future instructions and role in Nigeria’s political landscape.

While his supporters celebrate his ability to maintain order and structure within the transport sector, critics worry about the potential nationwide expansion of what they see as an unsafe fusion of transportation union power and political impact.

The visit also raises more comprehensive concerns 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 concerns of democratic combination and ethnic harmony, the function of prominent union leaders like MC Oluomo will likely stay a subject of intense debate and scrutiny.

This advancement serves as a critical 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 seen by fans and critics alike, with significant implications for the transportation sector and Nigeria’s wider political landscape.