Oluomo emerges NURTW national president – Ripples Nigeria

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

In an advancement that has sparked both celebration and concern across Nigeria’s transportation sector, Musiliu Ayinde Akinsanya Akinsanya, widely referred to 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 occurred at the Union’s Zonal Secretariat along the Osogbo/Ikirun roadway in Osun State, marks a significant milestone in the questionable figure’s profession trajectory while raising severe concerns about the crossway of transport unions and political power in Nigeria.

The Rise to Power

Delegates from four South-West states– Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, and Ekiti– participated in the election, which saw MC Oluomo as the sole candidate.

The process 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 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 required unity within the union, mentioning, “I have forgiven everyone who offended me, and I wish those I offended would forgive me also. This is our union, and we should be committed to its conservation. We will not permit anybody to damage our means of livelihood.”

A Controversial Past

However, MC Oluomo’s ascension to the national presidency includes substantial baggage 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 significantly, during the 2023 general elections, MC Oluomo gained national attention for his questionable function in election-related violence and voter intimidation.

He was caught on video making threats against Igbo citizens in Lagos State, alerting them to either choose the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) or stay at home. While he later claimed the statement was a joke made to a pal nicknamed “Iya Chukwudi,” the event caused widespread condemnation and requires his arrest.

The after-effects of his threats materialized in election day violence, where political thugs apparently conducted civil-war-era-style “eye tests” to identify Igbo voters, preventing numerous from exercising their democratic rights. These actions caused the creation of a petition requiring worldwide travel bans against him, citing his role in prompting ethnic violence.

Opposition and Concerns

The Concerned Transporters in South West of Nigeria, a group of transport employees, has 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 management style and alleged use of union resources for individual gain as substantial concerns.

The group mentioned, “MC Oluomo’s leadership style is inappropriate. He utilized union resources for individual gain, neglecting members’ welfare.” They also raised issues about his ability to effectively lead the national body, pointing to his history of conflicts with previous leaders and his questionable management style.

The NURTW’s Evolution

The NURTW, formed in 1978 as a follower to the Nigerian Road Transport Union, has developed from a simple trade union into a powerful political force. With almost 2 million members, the union has become deeply embedded in Nigeria’s political landscape, typically working 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 local communities. This has led to transforming what was initially 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 increase exemplifies the complex relationship between transport unions and political power in Nigeria. As documented in different reports, he has been instrumental in the Southwest’s political campaigns and mobilization efforts, consisting of significant involvement in the 2018 Osun State governorship election and subsequent political contests.

His methods of operation have 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 systems and intimidating citizens, especially those perceived to be opposition supporters.

Legal Challenges and Institutional Response

The questionable nature of MC Oluomo’s leadership has led to various legal challenges. Noteworthy amongst these was a court order during the 2023 elections that avoided INEC from engaging his services to distribute election products in Lagos State, highlighting concerns about the politicization of important electoral processes.

Future Implications

As MC Oluomo assumes the national leadership of the NURTW, questions stay about the union’s future direction and function in Nigeria’s political landscape.

While his fans commemorate his ability to preserve order and structure within the transportation sector, critics worry about the prospective nationwide growth of what they view as a hazardous fusion of transportation union power and political impact.

The appointment also raises more comprehensive concerns about the requirement for reform within Nigeria’s transport union structure and the relationship between labour unions and political power.

As the nation continues to face issues of democratic consolidation and ethnic harmony, the role of influential union leaders like MC Oluomo will likely stay a topic of extreme dispute and examination.

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

As MC Oluomo begins his period as National President, his actions will be carefully enjoyed by supporters and critics alike, with considerable ramifications for the transport sector and Nigeria’s wider political landscape.