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MC 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 triggered both event and issue across Nigeria’s transportation sector, Musiliu Akinsanya, commonly referred to as MC Oluomo, has actually become the National President of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) following an agreement 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 substantial milestone in the controversial figure’s profession trajectory while raising major questions about the crossway of transport unions and political power in Nigeria.

The Rise to Power

Delegates from four South-West states– Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, and Ekiti– took part in the election, which saw MC Oluomo as the sole candidate.

The procedure 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 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, specifying, “I have forgiven everyone who upset me, and I want those I upset would forgive me also. This is our union, and we must be dedicated to its conservation. We will not permit anyone to destroy our ways of livelihood.”

A Controversial Past

However, MC Oluomo’s ascension to the national presidency comes with substantial baggage and debate.

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

Most notably, during the 2023 basic elections, MC Oluomo gained national attention for his controversial role in election-related violence and voter intimidation.

He was captured on video making threats against Igbo voters in Lagos State, warning them to either elect the judgment All Progressives Congress (APC) or stay at home. While he later on declared the declaration was a joke made to a buddy nicknamed “Iya Chukwudi,” the occurrence led to widespread condemnation and calls for his arrest.

The aftermath of his threats emerged in election day violence, where political hooligans allegedly conducted civil-war-era-style “eye tests” to recognize Igbo voters, avoiding numerous from exercising their democratic rights. These actions caused the creation of a petition calling for worldwide travel bans versus him, citing his function in prompting ethnic violence.

Opposition and Concerns

The Concerned Transporters in South West of Nigeria, a group of transportation workers, has actually 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 design and declared use of union resources for individual gain as significant concerns.

The group stated, “MC Oluomo’s leadership style is undesirable. He used union resources for personal gain, ignoring 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 controversial management design.

The NURTW’s Evolution

The NURTW, formed in 1978 as a successor to the Nigerian Road Transport Union, has actually progressed from an easy trade union into a powerful political force. With almost 2 million members, the union has actually become deeply embedded in Nigeria’s political landscape, often acting 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 actors seeking to develop control over regional communities. This has actually caused changing what was originally a transport 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 transport 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 significant involvement in the 2018 Osun State governorship election and subsequent political contests.

His methods of operation have typically been criticized for blurring the lines in between legitimate union activities and political thuggery. During the 2023 elections, his company was accused of interfering with polling systems and intimidating voters, particularly those perceived to be opposition fans.

Legal Challenges and Institutional Response

The controversial nature of MC Oluomo’s leadership has actually caused different legal difficulties. Noteworthy 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 vital electoral processes.

Future Implications

As MC Oluomo assumes the nationwide management of the NURTW, questions remain about the union’s future direction and function in Nigeria’s political landscape.

While his supporters commemorate his ability to maintain order and structure within the transport sector, critics stress over the prospective across the country growth of what they see as an unsafe combination of transport union power and political influence.

The appointment likewise raises broader questions 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 issues of democratic combination and ethnic harmony, the function of influential union leaders like MC Oluomo will likely remain a topic of intense debate and examination.

This advancement acts as a defining moment for reflection on the state of Nigeria’s democratic organizations and the influence of non-state actors in the country’s political processes.

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