
National Union of Road Transport Workers
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MC Oluomo emerges NURTW national president – TheCable
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 transportation sector, Musiliu Ayinde Akinsanya Akinsanya, commonly referred to 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 took place at the Union’s Zonal Secretariat along the Osogbo/Ikirun road in Osun State, marks a considerable milestone in the questionable figure’s career trajectory while raising severe concerns 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 also 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, stating, “I have actually forgiven everyone who upset me, and I wish those I angered would forgive me also. This is our union, and we need to be dedicated to its preservation. We will not permit anybody to destroy our ways of livelihood.”
A Controversial Past
However, MC Oluomo’s ascension to the national presidency comes with considerable luggage and debate.
Accusations of violence, political intimidation, and the weaponization of transportation 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 national attention for his questionable role in election-related violence and voter intimidation.
He was caught on video making threats against Igbo citizens in Lagos State, alerting them to either elect the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) or stay at home. While he later on declared the statement was a joke made to a friend nicknamed “Iya Chukwudi,” the event caused prevalent condemnation and requires his arrest.
The aftermath of his dangers emerged in election day violence, where political hooligans apparently carried out civil-war-era-style “eye tests” to identify Igbo citizens, avoiding many from exercising their democratic rights. These actions caused the creation of a petition calling for international travel restrictions versus him, citing his role in prompting ethnic violence.
Opposition and Concerns
The Concerned Transporters in South West of Nigeria, a group of transportation 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 doubtful leadership style and declared use of union resources for individual gain as significant concerns.
The group stated, “MC Oluomo’s leadership design is unacceptable. He utilized union resources for individual gain, disregarding members’ welfare.” They likewise raised issues about his capability to successfully lead the nationwide body, indicating his history of conflicts with previous leaders and his controversial management design.
The NURTW’s Evolution
The NURTW, formed in 1978 as a successor to the Nigerian Road Transport Union, has progressed from an easy trade union into a powerful political force. With nearly 2 million members, the union has actually ended up being deeply embedded in Nigeria’s political landscape, often serving as a vital grassroots mobilization tool for politicians.
The union’s structure, which extends from significant cities to remote areas, has actually made it an attractive partner for political stars looking for to establish control over local communities. This has actually resulted in transforming what was originally a transportation 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 exemplifies the complex relationship between transportation unions and political power in Nigeria. As documented in different reports, he has been instrumental in the Southwest’s political campaigns and mobilization efforts, consisting of notable involvement in the 2018 Osun State governorship election and subsequent political contests.
His methods of operation have actually often been slammed for blurring the lines between genuine union activities and political thuggery. During the 2023 elections, his organization was accused of interfering with ballot systems and intimidating citizens, particularly those perceived to be opposition fans.
Legal Challenges and Institutional Response
The questionable nature of MC Oluomo’s management has led to various legal challenges. Notable amongst these was a court order during the 2023 elections that prevented INEC from engaging his services to distribute election materials in Lagos State, highlighting issues about the politicization of vital electoral procedures.
Future Implications
As MC Oluomo presumes the nationwide management of the NURTW, concerns stay about the union’s future direction and role in Nigeria’s political landscape.
While his advocates commemorate his capability to preserve order and structure within the transportation sector, critics stress over the potential nationwide growth of what they see as a hazardous combination of transport union power and political influence.
The appointment also raises more comprehensive concerns about the requirement 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 debt consolidation and ethnic harmony, the role of influential union leaders like MC Oluomo will likely stay a topic of extreme debate and examination.
This development works as a defining moment for reflection on the state of Nigeria’s democratic institutions and the impact of non-state stars in the nation’s political processes.
As MC Oluomo starts his tenure as National President, his actions will be carefully viewed by supporters and critics alike, with significant ramifications for the transport sector and Nigeria’s more comprehensive political landscape.