MC Oluomo elected NURTW national president - Vanguard Newspaper
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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 sparked both celebration and concern across Nigeria's transportation sector, Musiliu Akinsanya, commonly known as MC Oluomo, has actually emerged as the National President of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) following a consensus election by union stakeholders and delegates.

The election, which happened 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 concerns about the crossway of transport unions and political power in Nigeria.
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 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.

The election likewise resulted in the consultation 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, specifying, "I have actually forgiven everyone who upset me, and I wish those I angered would forgive me too. This is our union, and we must be dedicated to its conservation. We will not allow anyone to ruin our methods of income."
A Controversial Past
Nevertheless, MC Oluomo's ascension to the nationwide presidency comes with substantial luggage and debate.

Claims of violence, political intimidation, and the weaponization of transport union structures for political purposes marked his period as the chairman of the Lagos State chapter of NURTW.

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

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

The after-effects of his dangers materialized in election day violence, where political criminals presumably carried out civil-war-era-style "eye tests" to identify Igbo voters, preventing numerous from exercising their democratic rights. These actions resulted in the development of a petition requiring global travel restrictions versus him, citing his function in prompting ethnic violence.
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The Concerned Transporters in South West of Nigeria, a group of transport employees, has actually emphatically 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 style and alleged use of union resources for individual gain as substantial concerns.

The group mentioned, "MC Oluomo's management design is unacceptable. He utilized union resources for personal gain, overlooking members' well-being." They also raised issues about his ability to successfully lead the national body, pointing to his history of conflicts with previous leaders and his controversial management style.
The NURTW's Evolution
The NURTW, formed in 1978 as a follower 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 ended up being deeply embedded in Nigeria's political landscape, typically functioning as a crucial grassroots mobilization tool for politicians.

The union's structure, which extends from major cities to remote areas, has made it an attractive partner for political stars looking for to establish control over regional communities. This has actually led to transforming what was initially a transportation employees' union into what some critics describe as a sophisticated network for political mobilization and, sometimes, intimidation.
Political Influence and Violence
MC Oluomo's increase exemplifies 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 involvement in the 2018 Osun State governorship election and subsequent political contests.

His methods of operation have actually typically been criticized for blurring the lines between legitimate union activities and political thuggery. During the 2023 elections, his organization was implicated of disrupting ballot units and daunting citizens, especially those perceived to be opposition supporters.
Legal Challenges and Institutional Response
The controversial nature of MC Oluomo's leadership has caused various legal difficulties. Noteworthy among these was a court order throughout the 2023 elections that avoided INEC from engaging his services to disperse election products in Lagos State, highlighting concerns about the politicization of necessary electoral processes.
bit.ly Future Implications
As MC Oluomo presumes the nationwide leadership of the NURTW, questions remain about the union's future direction and function in Nigeria's political landscape.
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While his supporters commemorate his ability to keep order and structure within the transport sector, critics worry about the prospective nationwide expansion of what they view as a dangerous fusion of transport union power and political impact.
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The consultation also raises more comprehensive concerns about the requirement for reform within Nigeria's transportation union structure and the relationship in between labour unions and political power.
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As the country continues to grapple with problems of democratic consolidation and ethnic consistency, the function of influential union leaders like MC Oluomo will likely remain a topic of intense argument and scrutiny.
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This advancement serves as a critical moment for reflection on the state of Nigeria's democratic institutions and the impact of non-state stars in the nation's political processes.

As MC Oluomo starts his period as National President, his actions will be closely seen by fans and critics alike, with substantial ramifications for the transportation sector and Nigeria's broader political landscape.