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


In a development that has actually stimulated both celebration and concern across Nigeria's transport sector, Musiliu Akinsanya, commonly called MC Oluomo, has actually 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 substantial turning point in the questionable figure's profession trajectory while raising serious questions 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-- 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 acceptance speech, MC Oluomo called for unity within the union, mentioning, "I have actually forgiven everyone who upset me, and I want those I angered would forgive me as well. This is our union, and we need to be dedicated to its conservation. We will not allow anybody to destroy our means of income."



A Controversial Past

However, MC Oluomo's ascension to the nationwide presidency comes with significant baggage and debate.


Claims of violence, political intimidation, and the weaponization of transport union structures for political functions marked his period as the chairman of the Lagos State chapter of NURTW.


Most significantly, throughout the 2023 general elections, MC Oluomo gained nationwide attention for his questionable role in election-related violence and citizen intimidation.


He was caught on video making threats against Igbo citizens in Lagos State, alerting them to either vote for the judgment All Progressives Congress (APC) or stay at home. While he later declared the declaration was a joke made to a friend nicknamed "Iya Chukwudi," the incident resulted in extensive condemnation and requires his arrest.


The consequences of his hazards emerged in election day violence, where political thugs supposedly performed civil-war-era-style "eye tests" to identify Igbo citizens, preventing lots of from exercising their democratic rights. These actions led to the development of a petition calling for global travel bans versus him, citing his function in prompting ethnic violence.



Opposition and Concerns

The Concerned Transporters in South West of Nigeria, a group of transport 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 mentioned his questionable leadership style and declared use of union resources for personal gain as significant issues.


The group stated, "MC Oluomo's leadership style is unacceptable. He utilized union resources for personal gain, neglecting members' well-being." They also raised concerns about his ability to effectively lead the national body, indicating his history of conflicts with previous leaders and his questionable management design.



The NURTW's Evolution

The NURTW, formed in 1978 as a successor to the Nigerian Road Transport Union, has actually developed from a simple trade union into a powerful political force. With nearly 2 million members, the union has actually become deeply embedded in Nigeria's political landscape, frequently serving as a vital grassroots mobilization tool for political leaders.


The union's structure, which extends from significant cities to remote locations, has made it an attractive partner for political actors looking for to establish control over local communities. This has actually caused transforming what was initially a transport workers' union into what some critics describe as an advanced network for political mobilization and, often, intimidation.



Political Influence and Violence

MC Oluomo's increase exhibits the complex relationship in between transport unions and political power in Nigeria. As documented in different reports, he has actually been instrumental in the Southwest's political campaigns and mobilization efforts, consisting of noteworthy 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 genuine union activities and political thuggery. Throughout the 2023 elections, his company was implicated of interfering with ballot systems and intimidating citizens, especially those viewed to be opposition fans.



Legal Challenges and Institutional Response

The questionable nature of MC Oluomo's management has caused various legal challenges. 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 necessary electoral processes.



Future Implications

As MC Oluomo assumes the national leadership of the NURTW, concerns remain about the union's future instructions and role in Nigeria's political landscape.


While his fans celebrate his capability to keep order and structure within the transport sector, critics fret about the potential across the country expansion of what they view as a dangerous combination of transport union power and political influence.


The consultation also raises wider concerns about the need for reform within Nigeria's transport union structure and the relationship in between labour unions and political power.


As the country continues to face problems of democratic consolidation and ethnic consistency, the role of influential union leaders like MC Oluomo will likely remain a subject of intense debate and analysis.


This advancement functions as a defining moment for reflection on the state of Nigeria's democratic institutions 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 seen by fans and critics alike, with substantial ramifications for the transport sector and Nigeria's more comprehensive political landscape.