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MC Oluomo elected NURTW national president – Vanguard Newspaper
MC Oluomo’s Controversial Rise: From Transport Union Leader to National NURTW President
In a development that has actually stimulated both event and issue across Nigeria’s transportation 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 took place at the Union’s Zonal Secretariat along the Osogbo/Ikirun roadway in Osun State, marks a significant milestone in the controversial figure’s career trajectory while raising severe questions about the intersection of transportation 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 prospect.
The procedure 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 approval speech, MC Oluomo called for unity within the union, mentioning, “I have forgiven everyone who offended me, and I want those I offended would forgive me also. This is our union, and we must be dedicated to its conservation. We will not allow anybody to destroy our ways of income.”
A Controversial Past
Nevertheless, MC Oluomo’s ascension to the nationwide presidency features substantial luggage and controversy.
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 especially, throughout the 2023 basic elections, MC Oluomo got national attention for his questionable function in election-related violence and citizen intimidation.
He was recorded on video making threats versus Igbo citizens in Lagos State, warning them to either choose the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) or remain at home. While he later on claimed the declaration was a joke made to a buddy nicknamed “Iya Chukwudi,” the incident led to widespread condemnation and requires his arrest.
The consequences of his dangers materialized in election day violence, where political criminals allegedly conducted civil-war-era-style “eye tests” to recognize Igbo citizens, preventing many from exercising their democratic rights. These actions resulted in the creation of a petition calling for international travel bans versus him, mentioning his role in inciting ethnic violence.
Opposition and Concerns
The Concerned Transporters in South West of Nigeria, a group of transportation workers, has 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 personal gain as considerable concerns.
The group stated, “MC Oluomo’s management style is unacceptable. He used union resources for individual gain, disregarding members’ welfare.” They likewise raised issues about his ability to successfully 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 developed from a simple trade union into a powerful political force. With nearly 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 locations, has made it an attractive partner for political actors looking for to develop control over regional communities. This has led to transforming what was originally a transport employees’ union into what some critics refer to as an advanced network for political mobilization and, sometimes, intimidation.
Political Influence and Violence
MC Oluomo’s rise exemplifies the complex relationship in between transport unions and political power in Nigeria. As documented in different 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 frequently been criticized for blurring the lines between legitimate union activities and political thuggery. Throughout the 2023 elections, his organization was accused of interfering with ballot systems and frightening citizens, particularly those viewed to be opposition advocates.
Legal Challenges and Institutional Response
The questionable nature of MC Oluomo’s management has actually resulted in numerous legal obstacles. Significant among these was a court order during the 2023 elections that avoided INEC from engaging his services to distribute election materials in Lagos State, highlighting issues about the politicization of vital electoral procedures.
Future Implications
As MC Oluomo presumes the national management of the NURTW, questions stay about the union’s future direction and role in Nigeria’s political landscape.
While his advocates commemorate his ability to preserve order and structure within the transport sector, critics stress over the potential nationwide expansion of what they see as a harmful blend 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 between labour unions and political power.
As the nation continues to face concerns of democratic consolidation and ethnic harmony, the role of influential union leaders like MC Oluomo will likely stay a topic of intense debate and analysis.
This advancement serves as a critical moment for reflection on the state of Nigeria’s democratic institutions and the influence of non-state stars in the nation’s political processes.
As MC Oluomo starts his tenure as National President, his actions will be closely watched by fans and critics alike, with substantial ramifications for the transportation sector and Nigeria’s wider political landscape.