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

MC Oluomo's Controversial Rise: From Transport Union Leader to National NURTW President
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In an advancement that has actually triggered both celebration and concern throughout Nigeria's transport sector, Musiliu Akinsanya, popularly known as MC Oluomo, has emerged as the National President of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) following an agreement election by union stakeholders and delegates.
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The election, which happened at the Union's Zonal Secretariat along the Osogbo/Ikirun road in Osun State, marks a substantial turning point in the controversial figure's career trajectory while raising major concerns about the intersection of transport 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 candidate.

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 likewise led to the consultation 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 forgiven everyone who upset me, and I want those I offended would forgive me also. This is our union, and we should be dedicated to its preservation. We will not enable anybody to destroy our methods of livelihood."
A Controversial Past
However, MC Oluomo's ascension to the nationwide presidency features significant 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 notably, during the 2023 general elections, MC Oluomo acquired national attention for his controversial function in election-related violence and voter intimidation.
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He was captured on video making threats versus Igbo citizens in Lagos State, alerting them to either vote for the judgment All Progressives Congress (APC) or remain at home. While he later claimed the declaration was a joke made to a buddy nicknamed "Iya Chukwudi," the incident resulted in widespread condemnation and requires his arrest.
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The aftermath of his threats materialized in election day violence, where political criminals presumably conducted civil-war-era-style "eye tests" to determine Igbo citizens, avoiding numerous from exercising their democratic rights. These actions resulted in the creation of a petition requiring global travel restrictions against him, citing his role in prompting ethnic violence.
bit.ly Opposition and Concerns
The Concerned Transporters in South West of Nigeria, a group of transportation 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 cited his questionable management design and alleged use of union resources for individual gain as considerable concerns.
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The group specified, "MC Oluomo's leadership style is inappropriate. He utilized union resources for individual gain, neglecting members' well-being." They also raised issues about his capability to efficiently lead the nationwide body, pointing to his history of conflicts with previous leaders and his controversial management design.
bit.ly The NURTW's Evolution
The NURTW, formed in 1978 as a follower to the Nigerian Road Transport Union, has evolved from an easy trade union into a powerful political force. With almost 2 million members, the union has become deeply embedded in Nigeria's political landscape, frequently serving as an essential grassroots mobilization tool for politicians.

The union's structure, which extends from significant cities to remote areas, has actually made it an attractive partner for political actors looking for to establish control over regional communities. This has actually caused transforming what was initially a transportation workers' union into what some critics refer to as an advanced network for political mobilization and, sometimes, intimidation.
bit.ly 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 contributed in the Southwest's political campaigns and mobilization efforts, including noteworthy involvement in the 2018 Osun State governorship election and subsequent political contests.
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His methods of operation have often been slammed for blurring the lines in between genuine union activities and political thuggery. During the 2023 elections, his company was accused of interrupting ballot systems and intimidating citizens, particularly those perceived to be opposition supporters.
Legal Challenges and Institutional Response
The questionable nature of MC Oluomo's management has resulted in numerous legal challenges. Notable amongst these was a court order during the 2023 elections that prevented INEC from engaging his services to distribute election materials in Lagos State, highlighting concerns about the politicization of essential electoral procedures.
Future Implications
As MC Oluomo presumes the nationwide management of the NURTW, questions remain about the union's future instructions and role in Nigeria's political landscape.

While his supporters celebrate his capability to preserve order and structure within the transportation sector, critics worry about the possible across the country growth of what they view as a harmful combination of transportation union power and political influence.
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The visit also raises wider concerns about the need for reform within Nigeria's transportation 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 consistency, the role of influential union leaders like MC Oluomo will likely stay a subject of intense debate and examination.

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

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