mc-oluomo-emerges-nurtw-national-president---daily-trust

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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 issue across Nigeria's transport sector, Musiliu Ayinde Akinsanya Akinsanya, commonly called 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.
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The election, which happened at the Union's Zonal Secretariat along the Osogbo/Ikirun roadway in Osun State, marks a significant milestone in the questionable figure's career trajectory while raising major questions about the intersection of transport unions and political power in Nigeria.
bit.ly 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.
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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.
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The election also resulted in the visit 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, specifying, "I have forgiven everybody who offended me, and I wish those I offended would forgive me also. This is our union, and we should be committed to its preservation. We will not enable anybody to ruin our ways of income."
bet9ja.com A Controversial Past
Nevertheless, MC Oluomo's ascension to the nationwide presidency includes significant baggage and controversy.
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Allegations of violence, political intimidation, and the weaponization of transportation union structures for political functions marked his period as the chairman of the Lagos State chapter of NURTW.
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Most notably, throughout the 2023 general elections, MC Oluomo gained national attention for his controversial role in election-related violence and voter intimidation.

He was caught on video making threats versus Igbo citizens in Lagos State, cautioning them to either elect the judgment 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 event caused prevalent condemnation and requires his arrest.
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The after-effects of his threats emerged in election day violence, where political goons presumably carried out civil-war-era-style "eye tests" to determine Igbo citizens, avoiding numerous from exercising their democratic rights. These actions resulted in the creation of a petition calling for international travel bans against him, mentioning his role in prompting ethnic violence.
Opposition and Concerns
The Concerned Transporters in South West of Nigeria, a group of transportation 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 mentioned his doubtful management style and alleged use of union resources for individual gain as substantial concerns.
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The group mentioned, "MC Oluomo's management design is undesirable. He utilized union resources for personal gain, ignoring members' welfare." They also raised issues about his capability to efficiently 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 progressed from a basic 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 working as a vital grassroots mobilization tool for political leaders.

The union's structure, which extends from significant cities to remote locations, has actually made it an appealing partner for political actors seeking to establish control over regional communities. This has caused transforming what was initially a transportation workers' 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 in between transport unions and political power in Nigeria. As documented in various reports, he has actually been instrumental in the Southwest's political campaigns and mobilization efforts, including noteworthy 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 company was implicated of interrupting ballot systems and intimidating voters, especially those perceived to be opposition supporters.
bet9ja.com Legal Challenges and Institutional Response
The questionable nature of MC Oluomo's leadership has actually caused numerous legal obstacles. Notable amongst these was a court order during the 2023 elections that avoided INEC from engaging his services to disperse election products in Lagos State, highlighting issues about the politicization of necessary electoral processes.
bet9ja.com Future Implications
As MC Oluomo presumes the nationwide leadership of the NURTW, questions remain about the union's future direction and role in Nigeria's political landscape.

While his supporters commemorate his ability to keep order and structure within the transport sector, critics stress over the potential across the country expansion of what they see as an unsafe fusion of transportation union power and political impact.

The visit 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.

As the country continues to grapple with problems of democratic consolidation and ethnic harmony, the function of influential union leaders like MC Oluomo will likely remain a subject of intense debate and analysis.
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This development acts as a critical moment for reflection on the state of Nigeria's democratic organizations and the impact of non-state actors in the nation's political processes.

As MC Oluomo begins his tenure as National President, his actions will be closely watched by advocates and critics alike, with significant implications for the transport sector and Nigeria's more comprehensive political landscape.