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

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

In a development that has actually stimulated both celebration and issue across Nigeria's transport sector, Musiliu Akinsanya, widely called 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.

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 questionable figure's career trajectory while raising severe 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-- took part in the election, which saw MC Oluomo as the sole prospect.

The procedure 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 likewise resulted in 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 required unity within the union, specifying, "I have actually forgiven everyone who offended me, and I wish those I offended would forgive me as well. This is our union, and we need to be committed to its conservation. We will not allow anyone to ruin our ways of livelihood."
bet9ja.com A Controversial Past
Nevertheless, MC Oluomo's ascension to the national presidency comes with considerable baggage and debate.
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Claims 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 especially, throughout the 2023 basic elections, MC Oluomo acquired nationwide attention for his questionable role in election-related violence and voter intimidation.
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He was captured on video making threats versus Igbo voters in Lagos State, warning them to either elect the ruling 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 occurrence led to prevalent condemnation and requires his arrest.
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The aftermath of his dangers emerged in election day violence, where political hooligans apparently performed civil-war-era-style "eye tests" to determine Igbo voters, avoiding numerous from exercising their democratic rights. These actions caused the creation of a petition calling for international travel restrictions versus him, citing his function in prompting ethnic violence.
Opposition and Concerns
The Concerned Transporters in South West of Nigeria, a group of transport employees, 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 design and declared use of union resources for individual gain as significant issues.
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The group specified, "MC Oluomo's management design is undesirable. He used union resources for individual gain, disregarding members' welfare." They likewise raised issues about his capability to efficiently lead the nationwide 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 developed from an easy trade union into an effective political force. With nearly 2 million members, the union has ended up being deeply embedded in Nigeria's political landscape, frequently acting as a vital grassroots mobilization tool for political leaders.

The union's structure, which extends from significant cities to remote locations, has made it an attractive partner for political actors seeking to develop control over regional communities. This has resulted in changing what was originally a transport 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 increase exemplifies the complex relationship between transportation unions and political power in Nigeria. As documented in numerous reports, he has actually contributed in the Southwest's political campaigns and mobilization efforts, including significant 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 in between legitimate union activities and political thuggery. Throughout the 2023 elections, his organization was accused of interrupting ballot systems and intimidating citizens, especially those perceived to be opposition fans.
Legal Challenges and Institutional Response
The questionable nature of MC Oluomo's management has led to various legal challenges. Notable amongst these was a court order throughout 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 assumes the nationwide management of the NURTW, questions stay about the union's future direction and function in Nigeria's political landscape.

While his supporters commemorate his capability to maintain order and structure within the transportation sector, critics stress over the potential nationwide growth of what they view as an unsafe blend of transportation union power and political influence.
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The appointment likewise raises wider questions about the requirement for reform within Nigeria's transportation union structure and the relationship in between labour unions and political power.

As the nation continues to face issues of democratic debt consolidation and ethnic consistency, the role of prominent union leaders like MC Oluomo will likely remain a subject of extreme argument and examination.

This development acts as a defining moment for reflection on the state of Nigeria's democratic organizations and the influence of non-state actors in the nation's political procedures.

As MC Oluomo begins his tenure as National President, his actions will be closely viewed by advocates and critics alike, with substantial ramifications for the transport sector and Nigeria's broader political landscape.