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MC Oluomo elected as NURTW president – Peoples Gazette News

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

In an advancement that has actually sparked both event and concern across Nigeria’s transportation sector, Musiliu Ayinde Akinsanya Akinsanya, commonly called MC Oluomo, has actually emerged as the National President of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) following a consensus election by union stakeholders and delegates.

The election, which occurred at the Union’s Zonal Secretariat along the Osogbo/Ikirun road in Osun State, marks a substantial milestone in the controversial figure’s career trajectory while raising major questions 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 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 also 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, stating, “I have forgiven everyone who offended me, and I wish those I offended would forgive me as well. This is our union, and we need to be devoted to its preservation. We will not enable anybody to ruin our means of livelihood.”

A Controversial Past

However, MC Oluomo’s ascension to the national presidency comes with significant baggage 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 significantly, during the 2023 general elections, MC Oluomo got nationwide attention for his questionable function in election-related violence and voter intimidation.

He was caught on video making threats against Igbo voters in Lagos State, cautioning them to either vote for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) or remain at home. While he later on claimed the statement was a joke made to a good friend nicknamed “Iya Chukwudi,” the event caused widespread condemnation and calls for his arrest.

The aftermath of his dangers emerged in election day violence, where political hooligans presumably carried out civil-war-era-style “eye tests” to recognize Igbo voters, avoiding numerous from exercising their democratic rights. These actions caused the development of a petition calling for worldwide travel restrictions versus him, mentioning his function 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 questionable management design and alleged use of union resources for individual gain as significant concerns.

The group specified, “MC Oluomo’s management design is undesirable. He utilized union resources for individual gain, disregarding members’ welfare.” They likewise raised concerns about his ability to effectively lead the nationwide body, indicating his history of conflicts with previous leaders and his questionable management design.

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 become deeply embedded in Nigeria’s political landscape, often serving as a crucial 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 seeking to establish control over regional communities. This has actually caused transforming what was originally a transport workers’ union into what some critics refer to as an advanced network for political mobilization and, often, intimidation.

Political Influence and Violence

MC Oluomo’s rise exemplifies the complex relationship in between transportation unions and political power in Nigeria. As documented in different reports, he has actually contributed in the Southwest’s political campaigns and mobilization efforts, consisting of noteworthy participation in the 2018 Osun State governorship election and subsequent political contests.

His methods of operation have often been criticized for blurring the lines in between legitimate union activities and political thuggery. Throughout the 2023 elections, his organization was accused of interrupting ballot systems and frightening voters, especially those viewed to be opposition advocates.

Legal Challenges and Institutional Response

The controversial nature of MC Oluomo’s leadership has actually led to numerous legal difficulties. Significant among these was a court order throughout the 2023 elections that prevented INEC from engaging his services to distribute election products in Lagos State, highlighting issues about the politicization of vital electoral procedures.

Future Implications

As MC Oluomo assumes the national management of the NURTW, concerns remain about the union’s future instructions and function in Nigeria’s political landscape.

While his supporters celebrate his ability to preserve order and structure within the transport sector, critics fret about the possible across the country expansion of what they see as a dangerous fusion of transportation union power and political impact.

The consultation likewise raises wider questions about the requirement for reform within Nigeria’s transportation union structure and the relationship between labour unions and political power.

As the country continues to grapple with issues of democratic debt consolidation and ethnic harmony, the role of prominent union leaders like MC Oluomo will likely remain a subject of intense debate and analysis.

This development functions 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 closely viewed by fans and critics alike, with substantial ramifications for the transportation sector and Nigeria’s more comprehensive political landscape.