MC Oluomo elected as NURTW president – Tribune Online MC Oluomo’s Controversial Rise: From Transport Union Leader to National NURTW President In an advancement that has stimulated both event and issue throughout Nigeria’s transport sector, Musiliu Akinsanya, commonly referred to as 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 happened at the Union’s Zonal Secretariat along the Osogbo/Ikirun roadway in Osun State, marks a significant milestone in the questionable figure’s career trajectory while raising severe questions about the intersection of transportation 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 process 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 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 everybody who offended me, and I wish those I angered would forgive me as well. This is our union, and we should be devoted to its conservation. We will not permit anybody to ruin our methods of livelihood.” A Controversial Past Nevertheless, MC Oluomo’s ascension to the nationwide presidency comes with considerable luggage and controversy. Allegations of violence, political intimidation, and the weaponization of transportation union structures for political functions marked his period as the chairman of the Lagos State chapter of NURTW. Most especially, throughout the 2023 general elections, MC Oluomo acquired national attention for his controversial function in election-related violence and voter intimidation. He was caught on video making threats versus Igbo voters in Lagos State, warning them to either vote for the judgment All Progressives Congress (APC) or remain at home. While he later claimed the declaration was a joke made to a good friend nicknamed “Iya Chukwudi,” the incident caused prevalent condemnation and calls for his arrest. The after-effects of his hazards emerged in election day violence, where political thugs supposedly conducted civil-war-era-style “eye tests” to identify Igbo citizens, preventing many from exercising their democratic rights. These actions led to the development of a petition calling for global travel restrictions versus him, citing his function in inciting ethnic violence. Opposition and Concerns The Concerned Transporters in South West of Nigeria, a group of transport employees, 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 doubtful management style and declared use of union resources for personal gain as substantial concerns. The group mentioned, “MC Oluomo’s leadership style is undesirable. He used union resources for individual gain, ignoring members’ welfare.” They likewise raised issues about his capability 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 developed from a simple trade union into a powerful political force. With nearly 2 million members, the union has actually ended up being deeply embedded in Nigeria’s political landscape, typically acting as a crucial grassroots mobilization tool for politicians. The union’s structure, which extends from major cities to remote locations, has actually made it an attractive partner for political stars looking for to develop control over regional neighborhoods. This has led to transforming what was initially a transport workers’ union into what some critics refer to as a sophisticated network for political mobilization and, sometimes, intimidation. Political Influence and Violence MC Oluomo’s rise exemplifies the complex relationship between transport unions and political power in Nigeria. As recorded in numerous reports, he has actually contributed in the Southwest’s political campaigns and mobilization efforts, including notable participation in the 2018 Osun State governorship election and subsequent political contests. His methods of operation have frequently been criticized for blurring the lines between legitimate union activities and political thuggery. Throughout the 2023 elections, his company was accused of interfering with polling systems and intimidating citizens, especially those perceived to be opposition advocates. Legal Challenges and Institutional Response The controversial nature of MC Oluomo’s management has actually caused different legal obstacles. Significant among these was a court order during the 2023 elections that prevented INEC from engaging his services to distribute election products in Lagos State, highlighting issues about the politicization of essential electoral processes. Future Implications As MC Oluomo presumes the nationwide management of the NURTW, questions 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 transportation sector, critics fret about the prospective nationwide expansion of what they view as a harmful blend of transport union power and political impact. The appointment also raises broader questions about the requirement for reform within Nigeria’s transport union structure and the relationship between labour unions and political power. As the country continues to come to grips with problems of democratic debt consolidation and ethnic harmony, the function of influential union leaders like MC Oluomo will likely remain a subject of intense argument and analysis. This advancement works as a defining moment for reflection on the state of Nigeria’s democratic institutions and the impact of non-state actors in the country’s political procedures. As MC Oluomo begins his tenure as National President, his actions will be closely viewed by supporters and critics alike, with substantial implications for the transportation sector and Nigeria’s broader political landscape.