1 MC Oluomo elected NURTW national president - Blueprint Newspapers Limited

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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 concern across Nigeria's transportation sector, Musiliu Akinsanya, widely known as MC Oluomo, has emerged as the National President of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) following an agreement 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 turning point in the questionable figure's career trajectory while raising major 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 candidate.

The procedure 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.
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The election also led to 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 acceptance speech, MC Oluomo called for unity within the union, specifying, "I have forgiven everyone who upset me, and I wish those I upset would forgive me also. This is our union, and we should be dedicated to its preservation. We will not permit anyone to ruin our ways of livelihood."
bit.ly A Controversial Past
However, MC Oluomo's ascension to the nationwide presidency features significant baggage and debate.

Allegations 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.
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Most significantly, throughout the 2023 basic elections, MC Oluomo acquired nationwide attention for his controversial function in election-related violence and voter intimidation.

He was captured on video making threats versus Igbo voters in Lagos State, cautioning them to either choose the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) or remain at home. While he later on claimed the declaration was a joke made to a pal nicknamed "Iya Chukwudi," the event resulted in widespread condemnation and requires his arrest.
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The after-effects of his threats emerged in election day violence, where political goons presumably performed civil-war-era-style "eye tests" to recognize Igbo citizens, preventing many from exercising their democratic rights. These actions caused the development of a petition requiring worldwide travel bans versus him, citing 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 mentioned his questionable management style and declared use of union resources for individual gain as considerable issues.

The group stated, "MC Oluomo's leadership style is undesirable. He utilized union resources for personal gain, disregarding members' well-being." They also raised concerns 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 successor to the Nigerian Road Transport Union, has actually evolved from a basic trade union into an effective political force. With almost 2 million members, the union has actually ended up being deeply embedded in Nigeria's political landscape, frequently functioning as an essential 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 actors seeking to develop control over regional neighborhoods. This has caused transforming what was originally a transport employees' union into what some critics describe as a sophisticated network for political mobilization and, often, intimidation.
Political Influence and Violence
MC Oluomo's rise exhibits the complex relationship in between transport unions and political power in Nigeria. As documented in different reports, he has actually contributed in the Southwest's political campaigns and mobilization efforts, consisting of notable involvement in the 2018 Osun State governorship election and subsequent political contests.

His methods of operation have often been slammed for blurring the lines in between genuine union activities and political thuggery. During the 2023 elections, his organization was accused of interrupting ballot systems and daunting citizens, especially those perceived to be opposition advocates.
Legal Challenges and Institutional Response
The controversial nature of MC Oluomo's leadership has actually led to numerous legal difficulties. Noteworthy among these was a court order during the 2023 elections that prevented INEC from engaging his services to disperse election materials in Lagos State, highlighting concerns about the politicization of important electoral processes.
Future Implications
As MC Oluomo presumes the national leadership of the NURTW, questions remain about the union's future instructions and role in Nigeria's political landscape.

While his advocates celebrate his ability to maintain order and structure within the transport sector, critics stress over the prospective nationwide expansion of what they see as a harmful combination of transport union power and political impact.

The appointment likewise raises more comprehensive questions about the need for reform within Nigeria's transport union structure and the relationship in between labour unions and political power.
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As the country continues to come to grips with issues of democratic consolidation and ethnic consistency, the function of prominent union leaders like MC Oluomo will likely stay a subject of extreme debate and analysis.
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This advancement works as a critical moment for reflection on the state of Nigeria's democratic organizations and the impact of non-state stars in the nation's political processes.

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