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General Discussion / MC Oluomo elected NURTW national president - Blueprint Newspapers Limited

« on: November 10, 2024, 03:30:23 PM »

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 transport sector, Musiliu Akinsanya, commonly known as MC Oluomo, has 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 took place at the Union's Zonal Secretariat along the Osogbo/Ikirun roadway in Osun State, marks a substantial turning point in the controversial figure's profession trajectory while raising major 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-- took part 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 led to 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 forgiven everybody who angered me, and I want those I offended would forgive me too. This is our union, and we must be committed to its preservation. We will not allow anybody to destroy our means of livelihood."


A Controversial Past


Nevertheless, MC Oluomo's ascension to the nationwide presidency comes with significant luggage and controversy.


Allegations of violence, political intimidation, and the weaponization of transportation union structures for political functions marked his tenure as the chairman of the Lagos State chapter of NURTW.


Most especially, throughout the 2023 general elections, MC Oluomo got national attention for his questionable function in election-related violence and citizen intimidation.


He was caught on video making threats versus Igbo citizens in Lagos State, warning them to either vote for the judgment All Progressives Congress (APC) or stay at home. While he later on declared the statement was a joke made to a good friend nicknamed "Iya Chukwudi," the incident caused prevalent condemnation and requires his arrest.


The consequences of his dangers emerged in election day violence, where political hooligans allegedly performed civil-war-era-style "eye tests" to identify Igbo citizens, preventing many from exercising their democratic rights. These actions resulted in the production of a petition requiring 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 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 mentioned his questionable leadership style and declared use of union resources for personal gain as significant concerns.


The group specified, "MC Oluomo's leadership style is inappropriate. He used union resources for personal gain, overlooking members' welfare." They also raised concerns about his ability to successfully lead the nationwide body, indicating his history of conflicts with previous leaders and his questionable management style.


The NURTW's Evolution


The NURTW, formed in 1978 as a successor to the Nigerian Road Transport Union, has progressed 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, often acting as an important grassroots mobilization tool for political leaders.


The union's structure, which extends from major cities to remote locations, has made it an attractive partner for political actors looking for to establish control over local neighborhoods. This has actually resulted in changing what was originally a transport employees' union into what some critics describe as an advanced network for political mobilization and, sometimes, intimidation.


Political Influence and Violence


MC Oluomo's increase exemplifies the complex relationship between transportation unions and political power in Nigeria. As documented in different reports, he has contributed in the Southwest's political campaigns and mobilization efforts, including significant involvement 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 legitimate union activities and political thuggery. During the 2023 elections, his company was accused of interfering with ballot units and frightening voters, particularly those perceived to be opposition supporters.


Legal Challenges and Institutional Response


The questionable nature of MC Oluomo's management has led to different legal obstacles. Noteworthy among these was a court order during the 2023 elections that avoided INEC from engaging his services to distribute election materials in Lagos State, highlighting issues about the politicization of vital electoral processes.


Future Implications


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


While his supporters celebrate his capability to keep order and structure within the transportation sector, critics worry about the potential across the country expansion of what they see as an unsafe blend of transport union power and political influence.


The visit also raises wider questions about the need for reform within Nigeria's transport union structure and the relationship between labour unions and political power.


As the nation continues to come to grips with problems of democratic consolidation and ethnic harmony, the function of influential union leaders like MC Oluomo will likely stay a topic of extreme debate and analysis.


This advancement acts as a defining moment for reflection on the state of Nigeria's democratic organizations and the impact of non-state actors in the country's political procedures.


As MC Oluomo starts his tenure as National President, his actions will be closely viewed by fans and critics alike, with considerable ramifications for the transport sector and Nigeria's more comprehensive political landscape.