Oluomo emerges NURTW national president – Channels Television

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

In an advancement that has actually stimulated both celebration and issue across Nigeria’s transportation sector, Musiliu Akinsanya, commonly known as MC Oluomo, has actually become the National President of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) following a consensus election by union stakeholders and delegates.

The election, which happened at the Union’s Zonal Secretariat along the Osogbo/Ikirun road in Osun State, marks a considerable turning point in the questionable figure’s profession trajectory while raising major questions 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 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 likewise resulted in the consultation of Tajudeen Agbede as Vice President of South-West and Akeem Adeosun as trustee from the zone.

In his acceptance speech, MC Oluomo required unity within the union, specifying, “I have actually forgiven everybody who angered me, and I wish those I angered would forgive me too. This is our union, and we must be committed to its preservation. We will not allow anybody to damage our methods of income.”

A Controversial Past

However, MC Oluomo’s ascension to the nationwide presidency includes substantial baggage and debate.

Accusations of violence, political intimidation, and the weaponization of transportation union structures for political functions marked his tenure as the chairman of the Lagos State chapter of NURTW.

Most significantly, during the 2023 basic elections, MC Oluomo gained national attention for his questionable function in election-related violence and citizen intimidation.

He was recorded on video making threats against Igbo voters in Lagos State, cautioning them to either vote for the judgment All Progressives Congress (APC) or stay at home. While he later on claimed the declaration was a joke made to a good friend nicknamed “Iya Chukwudi,” the incident led to extensive condemnation and requires his arrest.

The aftermath of his hazards emerged in election day violence, where political punks supposedly performed civil-war-era-style “eye tests” to identify Igbo voters, preventing lots of from exercising their democratic rights. These actions resulted in the development of a petition requiring international travel restrictions versus him, mentioning his function in inciting ethnic violence.

Opposition and Concerns

The Concerned Transporters in South West of Nigeria, a group of transport employees, has vehemently 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 individual gain as considerable concerns.

The group stated, “MC Oluomo’s management design is undesirable. He utilized union resources for individual gain, overlooking members’ welfare.” They likewise raised concerns about his ability 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 developed from an easy trade union into a powerful political force. With nearly 2 million members, the union has ended up being deeply embedded in Nigeria’s political landscape, frequently working as a crucial 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 stars looking for to develop control over local neighborhoods. This has actually resulted in transforming what was initially a transportation employees’ union into what some critics describe as an advanced 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 recorded in different reports, he has contributed in the Southwest’s political campaigns and mobilization efforts, including notable 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 legitimate union activities and political thuggery. During the 2023 elections, his organization was implicated of interfering with ballot systems and frightening citizens, particularly those viewed to be opposition fans.

Legal Challenges and Institutional Response

The controversial nature of MC Oluomo’s management has actually led to numerous legal obstacles. 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 issues about the politicization of vital electoral processes.

Future Implications

As MC Oluomo presumes the national management of the NURTW, concerns remain about the union’s future direction and function in Nigeria’s political landscape.

While his supporters celebrate his ability to preserve order and structure within the transportation sector, critics worry about the possible across the country growth of what they see as a harmful combination of transportation union power and political influence.

The visit likewise raises more comprehensive concerns 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 issues of democratic debt consolidation and ethnic consistency, the function of prominent union leaders like MC Oluomo will likely stay a topic of extreme debate and scrutiny.

This advancement serves as a critical moment for reflection on the state of Nigeria’s democratic institutions and the impact of non-state actors in the country’s political procedures.

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