MC Oluomo elected 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 throughout Nigeria’s transport sector, Musiliu Ayinde Akinsanya Akinsanya, widely referred to as MC Oluomo, has 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 turning point in the controversial figure’s profession trajectory while raising severe concerns about the intersection of transport unions and political power in Nigeria.

The Rise to Power

Delegates from 4 South-West states– Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, and Ekiti– participated 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 likewise led to 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, specifying, “I have actually forgiven everyone who angered me, and I want those I upset would forgive me also. This is our union, and we should be committed to its conservation. We will not permit anyone to destroy our methods of livelihood.”

A Controversial Past

However, MC Oluomo’s ascension to the nationwide presidency features considerable 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 notably, throughout the 2023 basic elections, MC Oluomo got nationwide attention for his questionable role in election-related violence and citizen intimidation.

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

The aftermath of his hazards emerged in election day violence, where political criminals supposedly performed civil-war-era-style “eye tests” to determine Igbo citizens, preventing many from exercising their democratic rights. These actions led to the creation of a petition requiring global travel bans against him, mentioning his function in inciting 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 management design and alleged use of union resources for personal gain as significant concerns.

The group mentioned, “MC Oluomo’s leadership design is unacceptable. He used union resources for personal gain, ignoring members’ well-being.” They also raised issues about his ability to successfully lead the national body, pointing to his history of conflicts with previous leaders and his questionable management style.

The NURTW’s Evolution

The NURTW, formed in 1978 as a follower to the Nigerian Road Transport Union, has developed from an easy trade union into a powerful political force. With almost 2 million members, the union has 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 actors seeking to develop control over regional communities. 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 exemplifies the complex relationship between transport 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, consisting of notable participation in the 2018 Osun State governorship election and subsequent political contests.

His methods of operation have actually often been slammed for blurring the lines in between genuine union activities and political thuggery. Throughout the 2023 elections, his company was accused of interrupting ballot units and frightening citizens, particularly those viewed to be opposition supporters.

Legal Challenges and Institutional Response

The questionable nature of MC Oluomo’s leadership has actually led to numerous legal obstacles. Significant amongst these was a court order throughout 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 procedures.

Future Implications

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

While his fans celebrate his capability to maintain order and structure within the transport sector, critics fret about the potential across the country expansion of what they see as a dangerous blend of transportation union power and political impact.

The appointment also raises broader 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 problems of democratic consolidation and ethnic consistency, the function of influential union leaders like MC Oluomo will likely stay a subject of intense debate and examination.

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

As MC Oluomo starts his period as National President, his actions will be closely watched by supporters and critics alike, with significant implications for the transportation sector and Nigeria’s wider political landscape.