mc-oluomo-elected-nurtw-national-president---the-nation-newspaper

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

In an advancement that has triggered both event and issue 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.

The election, which occurred at the Union's Zonal Secretariat along the Osogbo/Ikirun road in Osun State, marks a significant milestone in the controversial figure's profession trajectory while raising major questions about the intersection 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 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.
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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 required unity within the union, stating, "I have actually forgiven everyone who offended me, and I want those I upset would forgive me too. This is our union, and we should be dedicated to its conservation. We will not allow anyone to damage our ways of income."
A Controversial Past
However, MC Oluomo's ascension to the national presidency includes substantial luggage and debate.

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.
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Most especially, throughout the 2023 basic elections, MC Oluomo got nationwide attention for his controversial function in election-related violence and citizen intimidation.
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He was recorded on video making threats versus Igbo voters in Lagos State, cautioning them to either vote for the judgment All Progressives Congress (APC) or remain at home. While he later declared the statement was a joke made to a friend nicknamed "Iya Chukwudi," the occurrence resulted in widespread condemnation and calls for his arrest.

The consequences of his hazards emerged in election day violence, where political goons supposedly carried out civil-war-era-style "eye tests" to determine Igbo citizens, avoiding numerous from exercising their democratic rights. These actions led to the creation of a petition calling for international travel restrictions against him, mentioning his role in prompting ethnic violence.
bet9ja.com Opposition and Concerns
The Concerned Transporters in South West of Nigeria, a group of transportation employees, has actually emphatically opposed MC Oluomo's rise to power. In a communique signed by Comrade Taiwo Ariyo and Alhaji Ahmed Ibrahim, the group cited his doubtful management style and declared use of union resources for personal gain as considerable issues.
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The group stated, "MC Oluomo's management design is unacceptable. He used union resources for personal gain, disregarding members' well-being." They likewise raised issues about his capability to successfully lead the nationwide 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 progressed from a basic trade union into an effective political force. With almost 2 million members, the union has actually ended up being deeply embedded in Nigeria's political landscape, typically serving as an essential grassroots mobilization tool for politicians.

The union's structure, which extends from significant cities to remote locations, has made it an appealing partner for political stars seeking to establish control over regional neighborhoods. This has led to transforming what was initially a transport workers' union into what some critics describe as a sophisticated network for political mobilization and, in some cases, intimidation.
Political Influence and Violence
MC Oluomo's rise exemplifies the complex relationship in between transportation unions and political power in Nigeria. As recorded in various reports, he has actually contributed in the Southwest's political campaigns and mobilization efforts, consisting of noteworthy involvement in the 2018 Osun State governorship election and subsequent political contests.
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His methods of operation have actually typically been criticized for blurring the lines between genuine union activities and political thuggery. Throughout the 2023 elections, his company was implicated of disrupting polling systems and intimidating voters, particularly those viewed to be opposition advocates.
bit.ly Legal Challenges and Institutional Response
The controversial nature of MC Oluomo's management has actually caused numerous legal challenges. Significant amongst these was a court order throughout the 2023 elections that prevented INEC from engaging his services to disperse election materials in Lagos State, highlighting concerns about the politicization of important electoral procedures.
Future Implications
As MC Oluomo assumes the national management of the NURTW, questions remain about the union's future direction and role in Nigeria's political landscape.

While his supporters commemorate his ability to maintain order and structure within the transportation sector, critics worry about the possible nationwide growth of what they see as a harmful combination of transport union power and political impact.
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The appointment also raises broader concerns about the need for reform within Nigeria's transportation union structure and the relationship in between labour unions and political power.
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As the country continues to grapple with issues of democratic combination and ethnic harmony, the function of influential union leaders like MC Oluomo will likely remain a subject of intense argument and examination.
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This development works as a defining moment for reflection on the state of Nigeria's democratic organizations and the impact of non-state stars in the nation's political processes.

As MC Oluomo starts his tenure as National President, his actions will be carefully viewed by advocates and critics alike, with significant ramifications for the transportation sector and Nigeria's wider political landscape.