MC Oluomo elected as NURTW president – Tribune Online MC Oluomo’s Controversial Rise: From Transport Union Leader to National NURTW President In a development that has actually triggered both celebration and concern throughout Nigeria’s transport sector, Musiliu Akinsanya, commonly 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 happened at the Union’s Zonal Secretariat along the Osogbo/Ikirun road in Osun State, marks a considerable turning point in the controversial figure’s career trajectory while raising major questions about the crossway 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 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 required unity within the union, stating, “I have actually forgiven everybody who angered me, and I wish those I offended would forgive me also. This is our union, and we need to be dedicated to its conservation. We will not allow anybody to destroy our ways of income.” A Controversial Past Nevertheless, MC Oluomo’s ascension to the national presidency comes with considerable luggage and controversy. Claims 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 notably, throughout the 2023 basic elections, MC Oluomo acquired national attention for his controversial function in election-related violence and citizen intimidation. He was caught on video making threats against Igbo voters in Lagos State, cautioning them to either vote for the judgment All Progressives Congress (APC) or remain at home. While he later declared the statement was a joke made to a friend nicknamed “Iya Chukwudi,” the incident caused extensive condemnation and requires his arrest. The consequences of his dangers materialized in election day violence, where political thugs supposedly performed civil-war-era-style “eye tests” to identify Igbo citizens, preventing numerous from exercising their democratic rights. These actions led to the development of a petition requiring worldwide travel restrictions versus him, citing his function in prompting ethnic violence. Opposition and Concerns The Concerned Transporters in South West of Nigeria, a group of transportation employees, has vehemently opposed MC Oluomo’s rise to power. In a communique signed by Comrade Taiwo Ariyo and Alhaji Ahmed Ibrahim, the group mentioned his questionable management design and declared use of union resources for individual 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 likewise raised issues about his ability to effectively lead the national 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 evolved 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 working as a crucial grassroots mobilization tool for politicians. The union’s structure, which extends from significant cities to remote locations, has made it an appealing partner for political stars looking for to establish control over local communities. This has actually resulted in transforming what was originally a transportation workers’ union into what some critics describe as an advanced network for political mobilization and, in some cases, intimidation. Political Influence and Violence MC Oluomo’s rise 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 notable participation in the 2018 Osun State governorship election and subsequent political contests. His methods of operation have actually typically been slammed for blurring the lines between legitimate union activities and political thuggery. Throughout the 2023 elections, his company was implicated of interfering with ballot systems and daunting citizens, especially those viewed to be opposition supporters. Legal Challenges and Institutional Response The controversial nature of MC Oluomo’s management has led to numerous legal difficulties. Noteworthy among these was a court order throughout the 2023 elections that avoided INEC from engaging his services to disperse election materials in Lagos State, highlighting concerns about the politicization of important electoral processes. Future Implications As MC Oluomo assumes the nationwide leadership of the NURTW, concerns remain about the union’s future direction and function in Nigeria’s political landscape. While his advocates commemorate his ability to maintain order and structure within the transport sector, critics fret about the potential nationwide growth of what they see as a harmful blend of transport union power and political impact. The appointment likewise raises broader questions about the need for reform within Nigeria’s transportation union structure and the relationship between labour unions and political power. As the country continues to face problems of democratic combination and ethnic consistency, the role of influential union leaders like MC Oluomo will likely remain a topic of intense dispute and examination. This advancement works as a defining moment for reflection on the state of Nigeria’s democratic organizations and the influence of non-state stars in the country’s political procedures. As MC Oluomo starts his tenure as National President, his actions will be carefully watched by fans and critics alike, with substantial ramifications for the transport sector and Nigeria’s more comprehensive political landscape.