Oluomo emerges NURTW national president - ThisDayLive

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

In an advancement that has actually triggered both event and issue across Nigeria's transportation 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 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 significant turning point in the controversial figure's career trajectory while raising major 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-- took part in the election, which saw MC Oluomo as the sole candidate.

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 likewise 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, stating, "I have actually forgiven everyone who offended me, and I wish those I upset would forgive me too. This is our union, and we need to be committed to its conservation. We will not allow anyone to damage our methods of income."

A Controversial Past

Nevertheless, MC Oluomo's ascension to the national presidency features considerable baggage and controversy.

Claims of violence, political intimidation, and the weaponization of transport union structures for political purposes marked his tenure as the chairman of the Lagos State chapter of NURTW.

Most especially, during the 2023 general elections, MC Oluomo gained nationwide attention for his controversial role in election-related violence and voter intimidation.

He was captured on video making threats against Igbo voters in Lagos State, warning them to either vote for the judgment All Progressives Congress (APC) or remain at home. While he later claimed the declaration was a joke made to a pal nicknamed "Iya Chukwudi," the incident caused extensive condemnation and calls for his arrest.

The after-effects of his risks materialized in election day violence, where political criminals apparently performed civil-war-era-style "eye tests" to recognize Igbo citizens, preventing many from exercising their democratic rights. These actions resulted in the development of a petition calling for worldwide travel bans against him, citing his function in prompting 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 management design and declared use of union resources for individual gain as significant issues.

The group mentioned, "MC Oluomo's leadership style is unacceptable. He used union resources for personal gain, disregarding members' well-being." They also raised concerns about his ability to efficiently lead the national body, pointing to his history of conflicts with previous leaders and his questionable management style.

The NURTW's Evolution

The NURTW, formed in 1978 as a follower to the Nigerian Road Transport Union, has actually developed from an easy trade union into a powerful political force. With nearly 2 million members, the union has become deeply embedded in Nigeria's political landscape, often functioning as a crucial grassroots mobilization tool for political leaders.

The union's structure, which extends from significant cities to remote locations, has actually made it an appealing partner for political actors seeking to develop control over local neighborhoods. This has resulted in changing what was initially a transport workers' union into what some critics describe as an advanced network for political mobilization and, in some cases, intimidation.

Political Influence and Violence

MC Oluomo's rise exemplifies the complex relationship in between transportation unions and political power in Nigeria. As recorded in different reports, he has contributed in the Southwest's political campaigns and mobilization efforts, consisting of noteworthy involvement in the 2018 Osun State governorship election and subsequent political contests.

His methods of operation have typically been slammed for blurring the lines in between genuine union activities and political thuggery. Throughout the 2023 elections, his company was implicated of interfering with ballot systems and daunting voters, especially those perceived to be opposition advocates.

Legal Challenges and Institutional Response

The questionable nature of MC Oluomo's management has actually led to different legal obstacles. Noteworthy amongst these was a court order during the 2023 elections that prevented INEC from engaging his services to disperse election products in Lagos State, highlighting issues about the politicization of vital electoral procedures.

Future Implications

As MC Oluomo assumes the national leadership of the NURTW, concerns remain about the union's future direction and role in Nigeria's political landscape.

While his supporters commemorate his capability to keep order and structure within the transportation sector, critics fret about the possible nationwide growth of what they see as a harmful blend of transportation union power and political impact.

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

As the nation continues to grapple with issues of democratic debt consolidation and ethnic harmony, the role of influential union leaders like MC Oluomo will likely remain a topic of intense dispute and scrutiny.

This development serves as a defining moment for reflection on the state of Nigeria's democratic institutions and the impact of non-state stars in the country's political processes.

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