1 MC Oluomo elected NURTW National President - Guardian Newspaper

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

In a development that has triggered both celebration and issue throughout Nigeria's transport sector, Musiliu Akinsanya, commonly referred to as 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.
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The election, which occurred at the Union's Zonal Secretariat along the Osogbo/Ikirun road in Osun State, marks a considerable turning point in the controversial figure's career trajectory while raising serious concerns about the crossway of transport unions and political power in Nigeria.
bet9ja.com The Rise to Power
Delegates from 4 South-West states-- Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, and Ekiti-- took part 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 likewise resulted in the visit of Tajudeen Agbede as Vice President of South-West and Akeem Adeosun as trustee from the zone.
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In his approval speech, MC Oluomo called for unity within the union, mentioning, "I have forgiven everybody who upset me, and I wish those I upset would forgive me as well. This is our union, and we should be committed to its preservation. We will not allow anyone to damage our methods of income."
bet9ja.com A Controversial Past
However, MC Oluomo's ascension to the nationwide presidency features considerable baggage and controversy.
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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.

Most significantly, throughout the 2023 general elections, MC Oluomo gained national attention for his controversial function in election-related violence and voter intimidation.

He was caught on video making threats against Igbo citizens in Lagos State, warning them to either vote for the judgment All Progressives Congress (APC) or remain at home. While he later on declared the declaration was a joke made to a pal nicknamed "Iya Chukwudi," the event resulted in prevalent condemnation and calls for his arrest.
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The consequences of his hazards materialized in election day violence, where political punks supposedly carried out civil-war-era-style "eye tests" to determine Igbo citizens, preventing many from exercising their democratic rights. These actions caused the production of a petition requiring 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 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 management design and alleged use of union resources for individual gain as substantial issues.

The group mentioned, "MC Oluomo's management style is inappropriate. He used union resources for personal gain, disregarding members' welfare." They likewise raised concerns about his ability to efficiently lead the national body, indicating his history of conflicts with previous leaders and his questionable management design.
bet9ja.com The NURTW's Evolution
The NURTW, formed in 1978 as a successor to the Nigerian Road Transport Union, has actually developed from a simple trade union into a powerful political force. With nearly 2 million members, the union has actually ended up being deeply embedded in Nigeria's political landscape, typically acting as an essential grassroots mobilization tool for political leaders.

The union's structure, which extends from major cities to remote locations, has made it an appealing partner for political stars seeking to establish control over local neighborhoods. This has led to changing what was initially a transportation workers' union into what some critics describe as an advanced network for political mobilization and, in some cases, intimidation.
bit.ly Political Influence and Violence
MC Oluomo's increase exhibits the complex relationship between transport 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 participation in the 2018 Osun State governorship election and subsequent political contests.
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His methods of operation have actually frequently been slammed for blurring the lines in between legitimate union activities and political thuggery. Throughout the 2023 elections, his organization was implicated of disrupting ballot systems and intimidating citizens, especially those viewed to be opposition fans.
Legal Challenges and Institutional Response
The questionable nature of MC Oluomo's management has caused different legal difficulties. Noteworthy among these was a court order throughout the 2023 elections that avoided INEC from engaging his services to distribute election products in Lagos State, highlighting concerns about the politicization of important electoral processes.
bit.ly Future Implications
As MC Oluomo assumes the nationwide leadership of the NURTW, concerns stay about the union's future direction and role in Nigeria's political landscape.

While his advocates celebrate his ability to keep order and structure within the transportation sector, critics worry about the prospective nationwide expansion of what they view as a harmful blend of transport union power and political impact.
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The appointment also raises broader 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 grapple with problems of democratic debt consolidation and ethnic consistency, the role of influential union leaders like MC Oluomo will likely remain a subject of intense dispute and scrutiny.
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This advancement serves as a critical moment for reflection on the state of Nigeria's democratic organizations 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 carefully viewed by supporters and critics alike, with significant implications for the transport sector and Nigeria's broader political landscape.