mc-oluomo-elected-nurtw-national-president---businessday-ng

MC Oluomo's Controversial Rise: From Transport Union Leader to National NURTW President
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In a development that has stimulated both celebration and concern across Nigeria's transport sector, Musiliu Ayinde Akinsanya Akinsanya, widely known as MC Oluomo, has emerged as 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 happened at the Union's Zonal Secretariat along the Osogbo/Ikirun road in Osun State, marks a substantial milestone in the questionable figure's profession trajectory while raising major concerns about the crossway of transport unions and political power in Nigeria.
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.
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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.

In his approval speech, MC Oluomo called for unity within the union, stating, "I have actually forgiven everybody who angered me, and I wish those I offended would forgive me as well. This is our union, and we should be dedicated to its preservation. We will not permit anyone to destroy our methods of livelihood."
bet9ja.com A Controversial Past
Nevertheless, MC Oluomo's ascension to the nationwide presidency comes with substantial baggage and controversy.

Claims of violence, political intimidation, and the weaponization of transportation union structures for political functions marked his tenure as the chairman of the Lagos State chapter of NURTW.

Most significantly, during the 2023 basic elections, MC Oluomo acquired nationwide attention for his questionable role in election-related violence and voter intimidation.

He was recorded on video making threats against Igbo citizens in Lagos State, cautioning them to either vote for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) or stay at home. While he later on claimed the statement was a joke made to a friend nicknamed "Iya Chukwudi," the event caused extensive condemnation and calls for his arrest.

The aftermath of his threats materialized in election day violence, where political criminals supposedly conducted civil-war-era-style "eye tests" to identify Igbo citizens, preventing lots of from exercising their democratic rights. These actions led to the creation of a petition requiring global travel restrictions versus him, mentioning his role in prompting ethnic violence.
Opposition and Concerns
The Concerned Transporters in South West of Nigeria, a group of transport workers, has emphatically opposed MC Oluomo's rise to power. In a communique signed by Comrade Taiwo Ariyo and Alhaji Ahmed Ibrahim, the group cited his doubtful leadership design and alleged use of union resources for individual gain as considerable concerns.
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The group mentioned, "MC Oluomo's leadership style is unacceptable. He used union resources for individual gain, disregarding members' well-being." They also raised issues about his ability to effectively 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 developed from a basic trade union into a powerful political force. With almost 2 million members, the union has actually ended up being deeply embedded in Nigeria's political landscape, frequently serving as a crucial grassroots mobilization tool for political leaders.

The union's structure, which extends from major cities to remote areas, has actually made it an appealing partner for political actors looking for to establish control over regional neighborhoods. This has resulted in changing what was initially a transport workers' union into what some critics describe as a sophisticated network for political mobilization and, often, intimidation.
Political Influence and Violence
MC Oluomo's increase exhibits the complex relationship in between transport unions and political power in Nigeria. As recorded in numerous reports, he has contributed in the Southwest's political campaigns and mobilization efforts, consisting of noteworthy involvement in the 2018 Osun State governorship election and subsequent political contests.

His methods of operation have frequently been criticized for blurring the lines between genuine union activities and political thuggery. During the 2023 elections, his organization was implicated of interrupting ballot systems and intimidating citizens, particularly those viewed to be opposition advocates.
Legal Challenges and Institutional Response
The questionable nature of MC Oluomo's management has actually caused different legal obstacles. Significant amongst these was a court order during the 2023 elections that prevented INEC from engaging his services to disperse election products in Lagos State, highlighting concerns about the politicization of important electoral procedures.
Future Implications
As MC Oluomo presumes the nationwide leadership of the NURTW, concerns remain about the union's future direction and role in Nigeria's political landscape.

While his advocates celebrate his ability to preserve order and structure within the transportation sector, critics worry about the possible across the country growth of what they see as an unsafe combination of transportation union power and political impact.

The consultation 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 nation continues to grapple with issues of democratic consolidation and ethnic harmony, the role of prominent union leaders like MC Oluomo will likely remain a topic of extreme argument and scrutiny.
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This development functions as a defining moment for reflection on the state of Nigeria's democratic institutions and the impact of non-state stars in the country's political procedures.

As MC Oluomo starts his period as National President, his actions will be carefully viewed by supporters and critics alike, with significant implications for the transportation sector and Nigeria's more comprehensive political landscape.
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