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


In an advancement that has sparked both celebration and issue throughout Nigeria's transport sector, Musiliu Akinsanya, popularly referred to as MC Oluomo, has actually become the National President of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) following an agreement election by union stakeholders and delegates.


The election, which took place at the Union's Zonal Secretariat along the Osogbo/Ikirun road in Osun State, marks a considerable milestone in the questionable figure's profession trajectory while raising major concerns 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-- participated 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 visit of Tajudeen Agbede as Vice President of South-West and Akeem Adeosun as trustee from the zone.


In his acceptance speech, MC Oluomo required unity within the union, mentioning, "I have actually forgiven everyone who upset me, and I wish those I angered would forgive me too. This is our union, and we should be devoted to its preservation. We will not permit anybody to destroy our methods of income."



A Controversial Past

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


Claims 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 acquired nationwide attention for his questionable role 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 declaration was a joke made to a good friend nicknamed "Iya Chukwudi," the event led to prevalent condemnation and calls for his arrest.


The aftermath of his dangers emerged in election day violence, where political goons allegedly performed civil-war-era-style "eye tests" to determine Igbo voters, avoiding many from exercising their democratic rights. These actions caused the development of a petition requiring worldwide travel restrictions against him, mentioning his function in prompting ethnic violence.



Opposition and Concerns

The Concerned Transporters in South West of Nigeria, a group of transportation workers, 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 doubtful leadership design and declared use of union resources for individual gain as significant concerns.


The group specified, "MC Oluomo's leadership style is undesirable. He used union resources for individual gain, overlooking members' welfare." They likewise raised issues about his ability to successfully 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 successor to the Nigerian Road Transport Union, has developed from a basic 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, often acting as a crucial grassroots mobilization tool for political leaders.


The union's structure, which extends from significant cities to remote areas, has actually made it an appealing partner for political stars looking for to develop control over regional communities. This has actually resulted in changing what was originally a transportation employees' union into what some critics refer to as a sophisticated network for political mobilization and, in some cases, intimidation.



Political Influence and Violence

MC Oluomo's rise exhibits the complex relationship between transportation unions and political power in Nigeria. As documented in various reports, he has been instrumental in the Southwest's political campaigns and mobilization efforts, including significant participation 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 interrupting polling units and daunting citizens, particularly those viewed to be opposition advocates.



Legal Challenges and Institutional Response

The controversial nature of MC Oluomo's leadership has actually led to various legal challenges. 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 vital electoral processes.



Future Implications

As MC Oluomo presumes the nationwide management of the NURTW, concerns stay about the union's future instructions and function in Nigeria's political landscape.


While his advocates celebrate his ability to preserve order and structure within the transportation sector, critics worry about the prospective nationwide growth of what they see as a hazardous combination of transport union power and political impact.


The appointment likewise raises wider concerns 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 grapple with problems of democratic debt consolidation and ethnic harmony, the function of influential union leaders like MC Oluomo will likely remain a topic of intense debate and scrutiny.


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


As MC Oluomo starts his period as National President, his actions will be closely viewed by supporters and critics alike, with substantial ramifications for the transportation sector and Nigeria's more comprehensive political landscape.