NURTW

About Us

MC Oluomo elected NURTW national president – Blueprint Newspapers Limited

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

In an advancement that has actually stimulated both event and issue across Nigeria’s transport sector, Musiliu Akinsanya, popularly known as MC Oluomo, has 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 serious 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 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 called for unity within the union, stating, “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 allow anyone to ruin our means of livelihood.”

A Controversial Past

Nevertheless, MC Oluomo‘s ascension to the nationwide presidency includes substantial baggage and controversy.

Accusations 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, during the 2023 basic elections, MC Oluomo gained national attention for his questionable function in election-related violence and voter intimidation.

He was captured on video making threats against Igbo voters in Lagos State, warning them to either elect the ruling 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 occurrence resulted in extensive condemnation and requires his arrest.

The after-effects of his dangers emerged in election day violence, where political punks apparently conducted civil-war-era-style “eye tests” to recognize Igbo voters, avoiding many from exercising their democratic rights. These actions led to the production 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 transportation workers, 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 doubtful leadership design and alleged use of union resources for personal gain as considerable issues.

The group stated, “MC Oluomo’s leadership design is unacceptable. He utilized union resources for individual gain, ignoring members’ welfare.” They likewise raised concerns about his ability to efficiently lead the nationwide 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 actually progressed from a simple trade union into a powerful political force. With almost 2 million members, the union has actually become deeply embedded in Nigeria’s political landscape, frequently functioning as a vital grassroots mobilization tool for politicians.

The union’s structure, which extends from significant cities to remote locations, has actually made it an attractive partner for political stars looking for to establish control over regional neighborhoods. This has actually resulted in changing what was originally a transport 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 exhibits the complex relationship between transport unions and political power in Nigeria. As recorded in various reports, he has actually been instrumental 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 in between legitimate union activities and political thuggery. During the 2023 elections, his organization was implicated of interfering with ballot systems and intimidating citizens, particularly those viewed to be opposition advocates.

Legal Challenges and Institutional Response

The controversial nature of MC Oluomo’s leadership has actually caused various legal difficulties. Noteworthy among these was a court order throughout the 2023 elections that avoided 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 national leadership of the NURTW, concerns stay about the union’s future direction and role in Nigeria’s political landscape.

While his fans commemorate his capability to keep order and structure within the transportation sector, critics stress over the prospective nationwide growth of what they view as a hazardous combination of transport union power and political impact.

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

As the nation continues to grapple with issues of democratic combination and ethnic consistency, the function of prominent union leaders like MC Oluomo will likely stay a topic of intense debate and scrutiny.

This advancement acts 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 period as National President, his actions will be closely watched by supporters and critics alike, with significant implications for the transport sector and Nigeria’s wider political landscape.