1 MC Oluomo elected NURTW National President - Guardian Newspaper

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

In an advancement that has actually stimulated both celebration and concern across Nigeria's transport sector, Musiliu 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 happened at the Union's Zonal Secretariat along the Osogbo/Ikirun roadway in Osun State, marks a considerable milestone in the controversial figure's career trajectory while raising serious concerns about the intersection of transportation unions and political power in Nigeria.
The Rise to Power
Delegates from 4 South-West states-- Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, and Ekiti-- participated 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.

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 actually forgiven everyone who angered me, and I wish those I upset would forgive me also. This is our union, and we should be committed to its preservation. We will not permit anyone to damage our methods of livelihood."
bet9ja.com A Controversial Past
Nevertheless, MC Oluomo's ascension to the nationwide presidency comes with substantial baggage and debate.

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

Most notably, during the 2023 general elections, MC Oluomo gained nationwide attention for his controversial function in election-related violence and voter intimidation.

He was caught on video making threats versus Igbo citizens in Lagos State, alerting them to either vote for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) or stay at home. While he later declared the declaration was a joke made to a pal nicknamed "Iya Chukwudi," the incident led to widespread condemnation and requires his arrest.

The consequences of his hazards emerged in election day violence, where political thugs supposedly performed civil-war-era-style "eye tests" to recognize Igbo citizens, avoiding many from exercising their democratic rights. These actions resulted in the development of a petition calling for international travel restrictions versus him, citing his role in prompting ethnic violence.
Opposition and Concerns
The Concerned Transporters in South West of Nigeria, a group of transportation 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 stated, "MC Oluomo's leadership style is undesirable. He utilized union resources for individual gain, overlooking members' welfare." They likewise raised issues about his capability to efficiently lead the national body, indicating his history of conflicts with previous leaders and his questionable management style.
bet9ja.com The NURTW's Evolution
The NURTW, formed in 1978 as a follower to the Nigerian Road Transport Union, has actually progressed from a simple 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, often working as a vital grassroots mobilization tool for politicians.

The union's structure, which extends from major cities to remote areas, has made it an attractive partner for political stars looking for to establish control over regional communities. This has actually resulted in changing what was originally a transport workers' union into what some critics refer to as a sophisticated network for political mobilization and, often, intimidation.
bet9ja.com Political Influence and Violence
MC Oluomo's increase exhibits the complex relationship between transport unions and political power in Nigeria. As recorded in different reports, he has actually been instrumental in the Southwest's political campaigns and mobilization efforts, including 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 genuine union activities and political thuggery. Throughout the 2023 elections, his organization was implicated of disrupting ballot systems and daunting citizens, particularly those viewed to be opposition fans.
Legal Challenges and Institutional Response
The questionable nature of MC Oluomo's leadership has resulted in different legal obstacles. Noteworthy amongst these was a court order during the 2023 elections that prevented INEC from engaging his services to distribute election products in Lagos State, highlighting issues about the politicization of vital electoral procedures.
bet9ja.com Future Implications
As MC Oluomo assumes the nationwide management of the NURTW, concerns stay about the union's future direction and role in Nigeria's political landscape.
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While his supporters celebrate his ability to maintain order and structure within the transport sector, critics stress over the prospective across the country expansion of what they view as an unsafe combination of transport union power and political influence.

The visit also raises broader questions about the requirement for reform within Nigeria's transportation union structure and the relationship between labour unions and political power.
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As the country continues to grapple with issues of democratic debt consolidation and ethnic harmony, the role of influential union leaders like MC Oluomo will likely remain a topic of intense debate and examination.

This advancement serves as a defining 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 period as National President, his actions will be closely seen by fans and critics alike, with considerable ramifications for the transport sector and Nigeria's more comprehensive political landscape.
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