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MC Oluomo elected NURTW national president - Leadership Newspaper

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

In a development that has actually triggered both event and issue across Nigeria's transportation sector, Musiliu Ayinde Akinsanya Akinsanya, widely 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 roadway in Osun State, marks a significant milestone in the questionable figure's profession trajectory while raising serious questions about the crossway 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 candidate.

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 appointment of Tajudeen Agbede as Vice President of South-West and Akeem Adeosun as trustee from the zone.

In his approval speech, MC Oluomo required unity within the union, specifying, "I have actually forgiven everyone who upset me, and I want those I offended would forgive me as well. This is our union, and we need to be committed to its conservation. We will not allow anyone to damage our ways of livelihood."

A Controversial Past

However, MC Oluomo's ascension to the national presidency features substantial luggage and debate.

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

Most significantly, throughout the 2023 basic elections, MC Oluomo gained nationwide attention for his controversial role in election-related violence and voter intimidation.

He was captured on video making threats against Igbo citizens in Lagos State, cautioning them to either vote for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) or stay at home. While he later declared the declaration was a joke made to a pal nicknamed "Iya Chukwudi," the event caused prevalent condemnation and requires his arrest.

The consequences of his risks emerged in election day violence, where political hooligans supposedly carried out civil-war-era-style "eye tests" to recognize Igbo citizens, avoiding numerous from exercising their democratic rights. These actions led to the production of a petition calling for global travel restrictions versus him, citing his role in inciting 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 questionable leadership style and declared use of union resources for personal gain as substantial issues.

The group specified, "MC Oluomo's management design is inappropriate. He utilized union resources for individual gain, neglecting members' welfare." They also raised concerns about his capability to efficiently lead the national body, pointing to his history of conflicts with previous leaders and his controversial management style.

The NURTW's Evolution

The NURTW, formed in 1978 as a successor to the Nigerian Road Transport Union, has actually evolved from a basic trade union into an effective political force. With nearly 2 million members, the union has ended up being deeply embedded in Nigeria's political landscape, frequently functioning as a crucial grassroots mobilization tool for political leaders.

The union's structure, which extends from significant cities to remote locations, has actually made it an appealing partner for political stars seeking to develop control over regional communities. This has led to changing what was originally 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 in between transportation unions and political power in Nigeria. As documented in numerous reports, he has actually 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 actually frequently been slammed for blurring the lines in between genuine union activities and political thuggery. During the 2023 elections, his company was implicated of disrupting polling systems and intimidating citizens, especially those viewed to be opposition advocates.

Legal Challenges and Institutional Response

The controversial nature of MC Oluomo's management has led to various legal obstacles. 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 essential electoral procedures.

Future Implications

As MC Oluomo assumes the national leadership of the NURTW, questions remain about the union's future direction and role in Nigeria's political landscape.

While his advocates celebrate his capability to keep order and structure within the transportation sector, critics fret about the possible nationwide expansion of what they view as an unsafe fusion of transport union power and political influence.

The visit likewise raises broader questions about the requirement for reform within Nigeria's transportation union structure and the relationship in between labour unions and political power.

As the nation continues to face concerns of democratic consolidation and ethnic consistency, the function of prominent union leaders like MC Oluomo will likely remain a topic of extreme argument and scrutiny.

This development works as a defining moment for reflection on the state of Nigeria's democratic institutions and the influence of non-state actors in the country's political processes.

As MC Oluomo starts his period as National President, his actions will be carefully enjoyed by fans and critics alike, with significant implications for the transportation sector and Nigeria's wider political landscape.