Oluomo emerges NURTW national president – TVC News

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

In an advancement that has sparked both event and issue across Nigeria’s transport sector, Musiliu Akinsanya, widely 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 took place at the Union’s Zonal Secretariat along the Osogbo/Ikirun roadway in Osun State, marks a considerable turning point in the controversial figure’s profession trajectory while raising serious questions about the intersection 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 prospect.

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 led to 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, specifying, «I have forgiven everyone who angered me, and I want those I angered would forgive me as well. This is our union, and we should be committed to its preservation. We will not permit anybody to damage our ways of income.»

A Controversial Past

Nevertheless, MC Oluomo’s ascension to the nationwide presidency includes substantial luggage and debate.

Allegations 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 significantly, throughout the 2023 basic elections, MC Oluomo got national attention for his questionable role in election-related violence and citizen intimidation.

He was captured on video making threats versus Igbo citizens in Lagos State, cautioning them to either elect the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) or stay at home. While he later on claimed the declaration was a joke made to a pal nicknamed «Iya Chukwudi,» the event led to extensive condemnation and calls for his arrest.

The after-effects of his risks materialized in election day violence, where political goons supposedly performed civil-war-era-style «eye tests» to recognize Igbo citizens, avoiding lots of from exercising their democratic rights. These actions led to the development of a petition calling for international travel restrictions against him, mentioning his function in inciting ethnic violence.

Opposition and Concerns

The Concerned Transporters in South West of Nigeria, a group of transport workers, 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 questionable leadership style and alleged use of union resources for personal gain as considerable issues.

The group specified, «MC Oluomo’s management design is unacceptable. He used union resources for individual gain, disregarding members’ well-being.» They also raised concerns about his capability to effectively lead the national body, indicating his history of conflicts with previous leaders and his questionable management style.

The NURTW’s Evolution

The NURTW, formed in 1978 as a successor to the Nigerian Road Transport Union, has evolved from an easy trade union into an effective political force. With almost 2 million members, the union has actually ended up being deeply embedded in Nigeria’s political landscape, typically working as a vital grassroots mobilization tool for politicians.

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 led to transforming what was originally a transportation workers’ union into what some critics describe as a sophisticated network for political mobilization and, sometimes, intimidation.

Political Influence and Violence

MC Oluomo’s increase exemplifies the complex relationship in between transportation 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, including significant involvement in the 2018 Osun State governorship election and subsequent political contests.

His methods of operation have often been slammed for blurring the lines in between genuine union activities and political thuggery. Throughout the 2023 elections, his organization was accused of interfering with polling systems and intimidating citizens, particularly those perceived to be opposition advocates.

Legal Challenges and Institutional Response

The questionable nature of MC Oluomo’s leadership has actually caused different legal obstacles. Notable amongst these was a court order during the 2023 elections that avoided INEC from engaging his services to disperse election products in Lagos State, highlighting concerns about the politicization of necessary electoral processes.

Future Implications

As MC Oluomo presumes the national management 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 keep order and structure within the transport sector, critics stress over the potential across the country growth of what they see as a hazardous blend of transportation union power and political influence.

The visit likewise raises broader questions about the need for reform within Nigeria’s transportation union structure and the relationship between labour unions and political power.

As the country continues to face problems of democratic combination and ethnic harmony, the function of influential union leaders like MC Oluomo will likely stay a subject of intense dispute and scrutiny.

This development acts 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 procedures.

As MC Oluomo starts his period as National President, his actions will be closely enjoyed by supporters and critics alike, with considerable ramifications for the transportation sector and Nigeria’s broader political landscape.