MC Oluomo elected NURTW National President - The Nation Newspaper
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MC Oluomo's Controversial Rise: From Transport Union Leader to National NURTW President
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In a development that has sparked both celebration and issue across Nigeria's transportation sector, Musiliu Ayinde Akinsanya Akinsanya, commonly called 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 happened at the Union's Zonal Secretariat along the Osogbo/Ikirun roadway in Osun State, marks a significant milestone in the controversial figure's career trajectory while raising major concerns about the crossway of transportation unions and political power in Nigeria.
bet9ja.com 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 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 resulted in the appointment 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, specifying, "I have actually forgiven everybody who angered me, and I want those I angered would forgive me also. This is our union, and we need to be committed to its preservation. We will not enable anyone to ruin our methods of income."
A Controversial Past
However, MC Oluomo's ascension to the nationwide presidency features considerable luggage and debate.

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

Most especially, throughout the 2023 general elections, MC Oluomo got nationwide attention for his controversial role in election-related violence and voter intimidation.

He was recorded on video making threats versus Igbo voters in Lagos State, warning them to either choose 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 incident resulted in prevalent condemnation and requires his arrest.

The aftermath of his threats materialized in election day violence, where political punks apparently carried out civil-war-era-style "eye tests" to identify Igbo citizens, avoiding numerous from exercising their democratic rights. These actions resulted in the development of a petition calling for international travel bans against him, citing his function in prompting 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 style and declared use of union resources for individual gain as significant concerns.

The group mentioned, "MC Oluomo's management style is unacceptable. He used union resources for personal gain, overlooking members' well-being." They likewise raised concerns about his capability to effectively lead the nationwide body, pointing to his history of conflicts with previous leaders and his controversial management style.
The NURTW's Evolution
The NURTW, formed in 1978 as a follower to the Nigerian Road Transport Union, has actually evolved from an easy 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, frequently acting as an important grassroots mobilization tool for politicians.
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The union's structure, which extends from major cities to remote locations, has made it an attractive partner for political stars looking for to develop control over local neighborhoods. This has caused changing what was originally a transport workers' union into what some critics describe as a sophisticated 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 recorded in various reports, he has contributed in the Southwest's political campaigns and mobilization efforts, including noteworthy participation in the 2018 Osun State governorship election and subsequent political contests.

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 organization was accused of disrupting polling units and intimidating voters, especially those viewed to be opposition fans.
Legal Challenges and Institutional Response
The questionable nature of MC Oluomo's leadership has caused different legal obstacles. 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 vital electoral processes.
bet9ja.com Future Implications
As MC Oluomo assumes the national management of the NURTW, questions remain about the union's future direction and function in Nigeria's political landscape.
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While his fans commemorate his capability to maintain order and structure within the transport sector, critics stress over the possible across the country expansion of what they see as a harmful fusion of transportation union power and political influence.

The visit also raises broader questions about the need for reform within Nigeria's transport union structure and the relationship between labour unions and political power.
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As the country continues to grapple with issues of democratic debt consolidation and ethnic consistency, the role of prominent union leaders like MC Oluomo will likely remain a topic of intense argument and scrutiny.
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This advancement acts as a critical moment for reflection on the state of Nigeria's democratic institutions and the influence of non-state actors in the nation's political procedures.

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