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MC Oluomo elected as NURTW president – Channels Television

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 Akinsanya, popularly known as MC Oluomo, has emerged as the National President of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) following an agreement 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 substantial milestone in the questionable figure’s profession trajectory while raising major concerns 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 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 consultation 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, mentioning, “I have actually forgiven everybody who offended me, and I want those I angered would forgive me too. This is our union, and we should be dedicated to its conservation. We will not allow anybody to destroy our ways of income.”

A Controversial Past

Nevertheless, MC Oluomo’s ascension to the national presidency includes considerable luggage and controversy.

Allegations of violence, political intimidation, and the weaponization of transport 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 got nationwide attention for his questionable role in election-related violence and voter intimidation.

He was caught on video making threats versus Igbo citizens in Lagos State, cautioning them to either choose the judgment All Progressives Congress (APC) or stay at home. While he later declared the statement was a joke made to a pal nicknamed “Iya Chukwudi,” the occurrence resulted in extensive condemnation and calls for his arrest.

The consequences of his hazards materialized in election day violence, where political goons presumably carried out civil-war-era-style “eye tests” to determine Igbo citizens, preventing numerous from exercising their democratic rights. These actions resulted in the development of a petition calling for international travel bans against him, citing his function in inciting ethnic violence.

Opposition and Concerns

The Concerned Transporters in South West of Nigeria, a group of transportation employees, has emphatically opposed MC Oluomo’s rise to power. In a communique signed by Comrade Taiwo Ariyo and Alhaji Ahmed Ibrahim, the group mentioned his questionable management style and declared use of union resources for personal gain as considerable issues.

The group stated, “MC Oluomo’s management design is inappropriate. He utilized union resources for personal gain, disregarding members’ welfare.” They also raised concerns about his ability 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 successor to the Nigerian Road Transport Union, has evolved from a basic trade union into an effective political force. With nearly 2 million members, the union has actually ended up being deeply embedded in Nigeria’s political landscape, often acting as an essential grassroots mobilization tool for politicians.

The union’s structure, which extends from significant cities to remote areas, has actually made it an appealing partner for political stars looking for to develop control over regional neighborhoods. This has actually caused changing what was initially a transport employees’ union into what some critics refer to as a sophisticated network for political mobilization and, sometimes, intimidation.

Political Influence and Violence

MC Oluomo’s increase exhibits the complex relationship between transportation unions and political power in Nigeria. As documented in numerous reports, he has actually contributed 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 frequently been criticized for blurring the lines between legitimate union activities and political thuggery. Throughout the 2023 elections, his company was accused of disrupting polling systems and frightening citizens, particularly those viewed to be opposition advocates.

Legal Challenges and Institutional Response

The questionable nature of MC Oluomo’s leadership has led to various legal challenges. Noteworthy amongst these was a court order during the 2023 elections that avoided INEC from engaging his services to disperse election materials in Lagos State, highlighting issues 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 role in Nigeria’s political landscape.

While his fans commemorate his ability to keep order and structure within the transportation sector, critics worry about the prospective nationwide expansion of what they view as a harmful combination of transportation union power and political impact.

The visit also raises wider 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 concerns of democratic debt consolidation and ethnic harmony, the role of prominent union leaders like MC Oluomo will likely stay a topic of extreme dispute and examination.

This development acts as a critical moment for reflection on the state of Nigeria’s democratic organizations and the influence of non-state stars in the nation’s political processes.

As MC Oluomo begins his tenure as National President, his actions will be closely viewed by advocates and critics alike, with considerable implications for the transportation sector and Nigeria’s more comprehensive political landscape.