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MC Oluomo elected as NURTW president – Vanguard News
MC Oluomo’s Controversial Rise: From Transport Union Leader to National NURTW President
In an advancement that has stimulated both event and issue throughout Nigeria’s transportation sector, Musiliu Ayinde Akinsanya Akinsanya, popularly known as MC Oluomo, has emerged as 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 roadway in Osun State, marks a considerable turning point in the questionable figure’s profession trajectory while raising serious concerns about the intersection 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 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 acceptance speech, MC Oluomo called for unity within the union, stating, “I have actually forgiven everybody who angered me, and I want those I offended would forgive me too. This is our union, and we must be dedicated to its preservation. We will not allow anyone to destroy our means of income.”
A Controversial Past
However, MC Oluomo’s ascension to the nationwide presidency includes significant baggage and controversy.
Allegations of violence, political intimidation, and the weaponization of transport union structures for political purposes marked his period as the chairman of the Lagos State chapter of NURTW.
Most notably, during the 2023 basic elections, MC Oluomo got nationwide attention for his questionable role in election-related violence and citizen intimidation.
He was captured on video making threats against Igbo citizens in Lagos State, warning them to either elect the judgment All Progressives Congress (APC) or stay at home. While he later claimed the declaration was a joke made to a pal nicknamed “Iya Chukwudi,” the incident resulted in widespread condemnation and calls for his arrest.
The after-effects of his threats materialized in election day violence, where political hooligans apparently conducted civil-war-era-style “eye tests” to recognize Igbo citizens, preventing lots of from exercising their democratic rights. These actions led to the development of a petition calling for global travel bans versus him, mentioning his function 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 cited his questionable management design and declared use of union resources for personal gain as considerable issues.
The group specified, “MC Oluomo’s management style is inappropriate. He utilized union resources for personal gain, disregarding members’ welfare.” They likewise raised concerns about his capability to effectively lead the national body, pointing to his history of conflicts with previous leaders and his controversial 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 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 functioning as an important grassroots mobilization tool for politicians.
The union’s structure, which extends from major cities to remote locations, has actually made it an appealing partner for political actors seeking to establish control over local neighborhoods. This has resulted in transforming what was initially a transport workers’ union into what some critics refer to as a sophisticated network for political mobilization and, often, intimidation.
Political Influence and Violence
MC Oluomo’s rise exhibits the complex relationship in between transportation unions and political power in Nigeria. As documented in various 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 typically been criticized for blurring the lines between genuine union activities and political thuggery. Throughout the 2023 elections, his company was accused of interrupting ballot systems and intimidating citizens, particularly those perceived to be opposition advocates.
Legal Challenges and Institutional Response
The controversial nature of MC Oluomo’s leadership has actually led to various legal challenges. Notable among these was a court order during the 2023 elections that prevented INEC from engaging his services to disperse election materials in Lagos State, highlighting concerns about the politicization of necessary electoral processes.
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 commemorate his ability to keep order and structure within the transportation sector, critics stress over the potential across the country expansion of what they see as a dangerous blend of transportation union power and political influence.
The visit also raises wider concerns about the requirement for reform within Nigeria’s transportation union structure and the relationship in between labour unions and political power.
As the nation continues to grapple with problems of democratic consolidation and ethnic harmony, the role of prominent union leaders like MC Oluomo will likely stay a subject of intense argument and analysis.
This advancement works as a defining 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 period as National President, his actions will be carefully seen by advocates and critics alike, with substantial ramifications for the transportation sector and Nigeria’s broader political landscape.