oluomo-emerges-nurtw-national-president---guardian-newspaper

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

In an advancement that has triggered both celebration and issue throughout Nigeria's transport sector, Musiliu Ayinde Akinsanya Akinsanya, popularly 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 occurred at the Union's Zonal Secretariat along the Osogbo/Ikirun road in Osun State, marks a significant turning point in the controversial figure's profession trajectory while raising serious 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 candidate.

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.

The election also 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 required unity within the union, stating, "I have actually forgiven everyone who angered me, and I want those I offended would forgive me as well. This is our union, and we need to be dedicated to its preservation. We will not enable anyone to damage our means of income."
bet9ja.com A Controversial Past
However, MC Oluomo's ascension to the national presidency comes with substantial luggage and controversy.

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

Most significantly, throughout the 2023 general elections, MC Oluomo gained nationwide attention for his questionable function in election-related violence and citizen intimidation.

He was recorded 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 statement was a joke made to a pal nicknamed "Iya Chukwudi," the incident led to extensive condemnation and requires his arrest.
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The aftermath of his dangers emerged in election day violence, where political goons apparently conducted civil-war-era-style "eye tests" to determine Igbo citizens, avoiding lots of from exercising their democratic rights. These actions resulted in the creation of a petition calling for international travel restrictions against him, mentioning his role in inciting ethnic violence.
bet9ja.com Opposition and Concerns
The Concerned Transporters in South West of Nigeria, a group of transportation employees, has vehemently 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 design and declared use of union resources for individual gain as significant issues.
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The group stated, "MC Oluomo's leadership style is inappropriate. He used union resources for individual gain, overlooking members' well-being." They also raised concerns 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 evolved from an easy 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, typically functioning as a vital grassroots mobilization tool for politicians.

The union's structure, which extends from significant cities to remote areas, has actually made it an attractive partner for political actors seeking to establish control over local communities. This has actually led to transforming what was initially a transport workers' union into what some critics refer to as an advanced network for political mobilization and, in some cases, intimidation.
bit.ly Political Influence and Violence
MC Oluomo's increase exemplifies the complex relationship in between transport unions and political power in Nigeria. As recorded in numerous reports, he has been instrumental 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 criticized for blurring the lines in between legitimate union activities and political thuggery. During the 2023 elections, his company was implicated of interfering with polling systems and frightening citizens, particularly those perceived to be opposition supporters.
Legal Challenges and Institutional Response
The questionable nature of MC Oluomo's management has actually led to numerous legal obstacles. Notable amongst these was a court order throughout the 2023 elections that prevented INEC from engaging his services to distribute election products in Lagos State, highlighting issues about the politicization of essential electoral processes.
bit.ly Future Implications
As MC Oluomo assumes the national leadership of the NURTW, concerns remain about the union's future instructions and role in Nigeria's political landscape.
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While his fans celebrate his capability to keep order and structure within the transport sector, critics stress over the possible nationwide expansion of what they view as a harmful combination of transport union power and political impact.
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The appointment likewise raises more comprehensive concerns about the need for reform within Nigeria's transport union structure and the relationship between labour unions and political power.

As the nation continues to grapple with problems of democratic combination and ethnic consistency, the role of influential union leaders like MC Oluomo will likely remain a subject of intense dispute and examination.
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This advancement acts as a critical moment for reflection on the state of Nigeria's democratic organizations and the influence of non-state actors in the country's political processes.

As MC Oluomo starts his tenure as National President, his actions will be closely seen by fans and critics alike, with substantial implications for the transport sector and Nigeria's more comprehensive political landscape.