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 actually stimulated both celebration and issue throughout Nigeria's transportation sector, Musiliu Akinsanya, widely called MC Oluomo, has become 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 significant turning point in the questionable figure's profession trajectory while raising serious concerns about the intersection of transportation unions and political power in Nigeria.
bit.ly 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 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 likewise led to the visit 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 forgiven everyone who upset me, and I want those I offended would forgive me too. This is our union, and we should be committed to its conservation. We will not enable anyone to ruin our methods of income."
A Controversial Past
Nevertheless, MC Oluomo's ascension to the nationwide presidency comes with considerable baggage and debate.

Allegations of violence, political intimidation, and the weaponization of transportation union structures for political purposes marked his tenure as the chairman of the Lagos State chapter of NURTW.
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Most notably, during the 2023 basic elections, MC Oluomo acquired nationwide attention for his controversial function in election-related violence and voter intimidation.

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 pal nicknamed "Iya Chukwudi," the incident led to extensive condemnation and requires his arrest.

The aftermath of his risks emerged in election day violence, where political punks apparently conducted civil-war-era-style "eye tests" to determine Igbo citizens, preventing many from exercising their democratic rights. These actions led to the creation of a petition requiring international travel restrictions versus him, mentioning his function in inciting 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 mentioned his doubtful management design and declared use of union resources for individual gain as significant issues.

The group stated, "MC Oluomo's management design is unacceptable. He used union resources for personal gain, neglecting members' well-being." They likewise raised issues about his ability to effectively lead the national body, indicating his history of conflicts with previous leaders and his questionable management style.
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, often serving as a vital grassroots mobilization tool for political leaders.

The union's structure, which extends from major cities to remote areas, has actually made it an attractive partner for political actors seeking to establish control over local communities. This has actually caused changing what was initially a transportation employees' union into what some critics describe as a sophisticated network for political mobilization and, often, intimidation.
bet9ja.com Political Influence and Violence
MC Oluomo's rise exemplifies the complex relationship between transport unions and political power in Nigeria. As recorded in various reports, he has actually 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 frequently been slammed for blurring the lines in between genuine union activities and political thuggery. During the 2023 elections, his company was implicated of disrupting ballot units and intimidating voters, especially those viewed to be opposition fans.
Legal Challenges and Institutional Response
The controversial nature of MC Oluomo's leadership has actually caused various legal difficulties. Noteworthy among these was a court order throughout the 2023 elections that prevented INEC from engaging his services to disperse election products in Lagos State, highlighting concerns about the politicization of essential electoral procedures.
Future Implications
As MC Oluomo assumes the nationwide management of the NURTW, questions remain about the union's future instructions and function in Nigeria's political landscape.

While his advocates commemorate his ability to keep order and structure within the transport sector, critics worry about the possible nationwide expansion of what they view as a hazardous combination of transport union power and political impact.
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The visit also raises more comprehensive questions about the requirement for reform within Nigeria's transport union structure and the relationship in between labour unions and political power.

As the country continues to come to grips with concerns of democratic combination and ethnic consistency, the function of influential union leaders like MC Oluomo will likely stay a subject of extreme dispute and analysis.
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This advancement works as a critical moment for reflection on the state of Nigeria's democratic institutions and the influence of non-state stars in the nation's political processes.

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