MC Oluomo elected NURTW national president - Blueprint Newspapers Limited
bit.ly
MC Oluomo's Controversial Rise: From Transport Union Leader to National NURTW President
bit.ly
In an advancement that has actually stimulated both event and concern across Nigeria's transportation 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.
bet9ja.com
The election, which happened at the Union's Zonal Secretariat along the Osogbo/Ikirun roadway in Osun State, marks a substantial turning point in the questionable figure's profession trajectory while raising major concerns 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-- took part in the election, which saw MC Oluomo as the sole candidate.
The procedure was supervised 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 visit of Tajudeen Agbede as Vice President of South-West and Akeem Adeosun as trustee from the zone.
In his acceptance speech, MC Oluomo called for unity within the union, specifying, "I have forgiven everyone who offended me, and I wish those I angered would forgive me too. This is our union, and we need to be committed to its preservation. We will not permit anybody to ruin our methods of livelihood."
bit.ly
A Controversial Past
Nevertheless, MC Oluomo's ascension to the nationwide presidency comes with substantial baggage and debate.
Allegations of violence, political intimidation, and the weaponization of transport union structures for political purposes 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 questionable role in election-related violence and citizen intimidation.
He was caught on video making threats versus Igbo citizens in Lagos State, cautioning 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 event caused widespread condemnation and calls for his arrest.
The after-effects of his threats emerged in election day violence, where political hooligans supposedly conducted civil-war-era-style "eye tests" to determine Igbo citizens, avoiding lots of from exercising their democratic rights. These actions resulted in the production of a petition calling for worldwide travel restrictions against him, mentioning his role in inciting ethnic violence.
Opposition and Concerns
The Concerned Transporters in South West of Nigeria, a group of transportation employees, has actually vehemently 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 style and declared use of union resources for personal gain as substantial concerns.
The group stated, "MC Oluomo's management design is inappropriate. He used union resources for individual gain, neglecting members' welfare." They likewise raised concerns about his capability to efficiently lead the national body, indicating his history of conflicts with previous leaders and his controversial management style.
bet9ja.com
The NURTW's Evolution
The NURTW, formed in 1978 as a follower to the Nigerian Road Transport Union, has evolved from a simple trade union into a powerful political force. With almost 2 million members, the union has actually ended up being deeply embedded in Nigeria's political landscape, frequently acting as a vital grassroots mobilization tool for political leaders.
The union's structure, which extends from significant cities to remote areas, has made it an attractive partner for political stars seeking to develop control over regional communities. This has led to transforming what was initially 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 exhibits the complex relationship in between transportation unions and political power in Nigeria. As documented in numerous 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 frequently been slammed for blurring the lines in between legitimate union activities and political thuggery. During the 2023 elections, his company was implicated of disrupting polling units and daunting voters, especially those viewed to be opposition supporters.
Legal Challenges and Institutional Response
The questionable nature of MC Oluomo's leadership has led to different legal difficulties. Noteworthy amongst these was a court order throughout the 2023 elections that avoided INEC from engaging his services to distribute election products in Lagos State, highlighting concerns about the politicization of essential electoral processes.
Future Implications
As MC Oluomo assumes the national leadership of the NURTW, concerns remain about the union's future instructions 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 possible across the country growth of what they view as an unsafe blend of transport union power and political impact.
The consultation also raises more comprehensive concerns about the need for reform within Nigeria's transportation union structure and the relationship between labour unions and political power.
As the nation continues to come to grips with issues of democratic debt consolidation and ethnic consistency, the function of influential union leaders like MC Oluomo will likely stay a subject of extreme debate and scrutiny.
bet9ja.com
This development works as a defining moment for reflection on the state of Nigeria's democratic organizations and the impact of non-state actors in the nation's political processes.
As MC Oluomo starts his tenure as National President, his actions will be carefully enjoyed by fans and critics alike, with considerable implications for the transport sector and Nigeria's broader political landscape.
bit.ly