MC Oluomo elected NURTW national president - Blueprint Newspapers Limited
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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 actually triggered both celebration and concern across Nigeria's transport sector, Musiliu Akinsanya, popularly called 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 roadway in Osun State, marks a considerable milestone in the controversial figure's career 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-- participated in the election, which saw MC Oluomo as the sole prospect.

The process was supervised 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.
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In his acceptance speech, MC Oluomo called for unity within the union, specifying, "I have actually forgiven everybody who offended me, and I want those I angered would forgive me also. This is our union, and we must be dedicated to its preservation. We will not enable anyone to destroy our methods of livelihood."
A Controversial Past
Nevertheless, MC Oluomo's ascension to the national presidency comes with considerable luggage and debate.
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Accusations of violence, political intimidation, and the weaponization of transport union structures for political functions marked his tenure as the chairman of the Lagos State chapter of NURTW.
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Most significantly, during the 2023 basic elections, MC Oluomo acquired nationwide attention for his questionable role in election-related violence and voter intimidation.

He was recorded on video making threats versus Igbo voters in Lagos State, cautioning them to either choose the judgment All Progressives Congress (APC) or stay at home. While he later on claimed the declaration was a joke made to a buddy nicknamed "Iya Chukwudi," the incident led to widespread condemnation and calls for his arrest.

The consequences of his threats materialized in election day violence, where political hooligans supposedly conducted civil-war-era-style "eye tests" to recognize Igbo citizens, avoiding many from exercising their democratic rights. These actions caused the development of a petition calling for worldwide travel restrictions versus him, mentioning his function in prompting ethnic violence.
Opposition and Concerns
The Concerned Transporters in South West of Nigeria, a group of transport workers, has emphatically opposed MC Oluomo's rise to power. In a communique signed by Comrade Taiwo Ariyo and Alhaji Ahmed Ibrahim, the group mentioned his questionable management style and alleged use of union resources for individual gain as significant issues.

The group stated, "MC Oluomo's leadership design is unacceptable. He used union resources for individual gain, ignoring members' well-being." They likewise raised concerns about his ability to efficiently lead the national body, pointing to his history of conflicts with previous leaders and his controversial management design.
The NURTW's Evolution
The NURTW, formed in 1978 as a successor to the Nigerian Road Transport Union, has actually evolved from a simple trade union into an effective political force. With almost 2 million members, the union has actually become deeply embedded in Nigeria's political landscape, typically working as an important grassroots mobilization tool for political leaders.

The union's structure, which extends from significant cities to remote locations, has actually made it an attractive partner for political stars seeking to develop control over local neighborhoods. This has caused transforming what was initially a transportation employees' union into what some critics refer to as an advanced network for political mobilization and, often, intimidation.
Political Influence and Violence
MC Oluomo's rise exemplifies the complex relationship between transportation 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 significant involvement in the 2018 Osun State governorship election and subsequent political contests.

His methods of operation have frequently been criticized for blurring the lines between legitimate union activities and political thuggery. Throughout the 2023 elections, his company was implicated of interrupting ballot systems and frightening citizens, particularly those perceived to be opposition advocates.
bet9ja.com Legal Challenges and Institutional Response
The questionable nature of MC Oluomo's management has led to various legal obstacles. Noteworthy among these was a court order throughout the 2023 elections that prevented INEC from engaging his services to distribute election products in Lagos State, highlighting concerns about the politicization of necessary electoral processes.
Future Implications
As MC Oluomo presumes the nationwide management of the NURTW, concerns remain about the union's future instructions and function in Nigeria's political landscape.
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While his supporters commemorate his capability to keep order and structure within the transport sector, critics stress over the potential across the country growth of what they see as a hazardous combination of transport union power and political influence.
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The consultation likewise raises more comprehensive questions about the need for reform within Nigeria's transport union structure and the relationship between labour unions and political power.

As the country continues to come to grips with concerns of democratic debt consolidation and ethnic harmony, the function of influential union leaders like MC Oluomo will likely stay a subject of intense dispute and analysis.

This advancement acts as a defining moment for reflection on the state of Nigeria's democratic institutions and the impact of non-state stars in the nation's political procedures.

As MC Oluomo begins his period as National President, his actions will be carefully viewed by advocates and critics alike, with considerable ramifications for the transport sector and Nigeria's more comprehensive political landscape.