Oluomo emerges NURTW national president – Channels TV

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

In an advancement that has actually triggered both event and concern throughout Nigeria’s transportation sector, Musiliu Ayinde Akinsanya Akinsanya, commonly 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 road in Osun State, marks a considerable turning point in the controversial figure’s career trajectory while raising severe questions about the crossway of transport 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 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 approval speech, MC Oluomo called for unity within the union, stating, “I have actually forgiven everyone who angered me, and I want those I upset would forgive me also. This is our union, and we must be committed to its preservation. We will not allow anyone to ruin our methods of income.”

A Controversial Past

However, MC Oluomo’s ascension to the national presidency features significant luggage and debate.

Allegations of violence, political intimidation, and the weaponization of transport union structures for political functions marked his period as the chairman of the Lagos State chapter of NURTW.

Most notably, throughout the 2023 basic elections, MC Oluomo gained national attention for his questionable function in election-related violence and voter intimidation.

He was captured on video making threats against Igbo voters in Lagos State, alerting them to either elect the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) or remain at home. While he later on claimed the declaration was a joke made to a pal nicknamed “Iya Chukwudi,” the incident caused widespread condemnation and requires his arrest.

The consequences of his risks materialized in election day violence, where political punks supposedly performed civil-war-era-style “eye tests” to determine Igbo voters, preventing lots of from exercising their democratic rights. These actions caused the creation of a petition calling for international travel bans versus him, citing his role 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 cited his doubtful management design and alleged use of union resources for individual gain as considerable concerns.

The group mentioned, “MC Oluomo’s leadership style is inappropriate. He utilized union resources for personal gain, overlooking members’ well-being.” They also raised issues about his capability to effectively lead the nationwide 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 an effective political force. With nearly 2 million members, the union has become deeply embedded in Nigeria’s political landscape, often working as a vital grassroots mobilization tool for political leaders.

The union’s structure, which extends from major cities to remote locations, has actually made it an attractive partner for political stars seeking to establish control over local neighborhoods. This has caused transforming what was initially a transport employees’ 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 rise exhibits the complex relationship in 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, consisting of significant involvement in the 2018 Osun State governorship election and subsequent political contests.

His methods of operation have actually frequently been criticized for blurring the lines in between genuine union activities and political thuggery. Throughout the 2023 elections, his organization was accused of interrupting polling systems and frightening voters, particularly 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. Significant among these was a court order during the 2023 elections that prevented INEC from engaging his services to distribute election materials in Lagos State, highlighting concerns about the politicization of vital electoral processes.

Future Implications

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

While his supporters celebrate his capability to maintain order and structure within the transport sector, critics fret about the prospective across the country growth of what they see as a harmful combination of transportation union power and political influence.

The appointment likewise 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 face concerns of democratic consolidation and ethnic harmony, the role of influential union leaders like MC Oluomo will likely stay a topic of extreme debate and analysis.

This development works as a critical moment for reflection on the state of Nigeria’s democratic organizations and the impact of non-state stars in the country’s political processes.

As MC Oluomo begins his tenure as National President, his actions will be closely watched by fans and critics alike, with substantial ramifications for the transport sector and Nigeria’s wider political landscape.