mc-oluomo-elected-as-nurtw-president---the-guardian-nigeria-news

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

In a development that has actually stimulated both event and issue across Nigeria's transport sector, Musiliu Ayinde Akinsanya Akinsanya, popularly 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.

The election, which took place at the Union's Zonal Secretariat along the Osogbo/Ikirun roadway in Osun State, marks a considerable milestone in the questionable figure's career trajectory while raising severe questions about the intersection 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 candidate.
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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 consultation 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, specifying, "I have actually forgiven everybody who upset me, and I wish those I offended would forgive me as well. This is our union, and we need to be dedicated to its preservation. We will not allow anybody to ruin our methods of livelihood."
bet9ja.com A Controversial Past
Nevertheless, MC Oluomo's ascension to the nationwide presidency comes with substantial luggage and controversy.
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Allegations of violence, political intimidation, and the weaponization of transport union structures for political purposes marked his tenure as the chairman of the Lagos State chapter of NURTW.
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Most significantly, throughout the 2023 basic elections, MC Oluomo gained national attention for his controversial function in election-related violence and citizen intimidation.
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He was caught on video making threats against Igbo citizens in Lagos State, alerting them to either choose the judgment All Progressives Congress (APC) or stay at home. While he later claimed the declaration was a joke made to a good friend nicknamed "Iya Chukwudi," the event caused widespread condemnation and calls for his arrest.
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The aftermath of his risks emerged in election day violence, where political criminals supposedly conducted civil-war-era-style "eye tests" to determine Igbo voters, preventing numerous from exercising their democratic rights. These actions resulted in the production of a petition requiring worldwide travel restrictions versus him, citing his role in inciting 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 cited his questionable management style and declared use of union resources for individual gain as significant issues.

The group mentioned, "MC Oluomo's management style is undesirable. He used union resources for individual gain, overlooking members' welfare." They likewise raised issues about his ability to efficiently lead the nationwide body, pointing to 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 actually developed from an easy trade union into an effective political force. With almost 2 million members, the union has ended up being deeply embedded in Nigeria's political landscape, frequently working as a crucial grassroots mobilization tool for political leaders.
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The union's structure, which extends from major cities to remote locations, has made it an attractive partner for political stars looking for to develop control over local neighborhoods. This has actually led to changing what was initially a transportation workers' union into what some critics describe as a sophisticated network for political mobilization and, in some cases, intimidation.
bet9ja.com Political Influence and Violence
MC Oluomo's rise exemplifies the complex relationship in between transport 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 involvement in the 2018 Osun State governorship election and subsequent political contests.

His methods of operation have typically been criticized for blurring the lines in between legitimate union activities and political thuggery. Throughout the 2023 elections, his company was implicated of disrupting polling systems and frightening citizens, especially those viewed to be opposition fans.
bet9ja.com Legal Challenges and Institutional Response
The questionable nature of MC Oluomo's leadership has actually led to different legal obstacles. Significant among these was a court order during the 2023 elections that avoided INEC from engaging his services to distribute election products in Lagos State, highlighting concerns about the politicization of necessary electoral procedures.
bet9ja.com Future Implications
As MC Oluomo assumes the national leadership of the NURTW, concerns remain about the union's future direction and function in Nigeria's political landscape.
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While his advocates celebrate his ability to preserve order and structure within the transport sector, critics fret about the possible across the country growth of what they view as an unsafe blend of transport union power and political impact.

The consultation also raises wider concerns about the requirement for reform within Nigeria's transport union structure and the relationship between labour unions and political power.

As the nation continues to come to grips with issues of democratic combination and ethnic consistency, the function of influential union leaders like MC Oluomo will likely stay a subject of intense debate and scrutiny.

This development works as a critical moment for reflection on the state of Nigeria's democratic institutions and the influence of non-state actors in the nation's political processes.

As MC Oluomo begins his period as National President, his actions will be carefully seen by supporters and critics alike, with significant implications for the transport sector and Nigeria's wider political landscape.