1 MC Oluomo elected NURTW National President - The Nation Newspaper

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MC Oluomo's Controversial Rise: From Transport Union Leader to National NURTW President
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In an advancement that has triggered both celebration and concern across Nigeria's transport sector, Musiliu Ayinde Akinsanya Akinsanya, widely called 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.
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The election, which occurred at the Union's Zonal Secretariat along the Osogbo/Ikirun roadway in Osun State, marks a significant turning point in the controversial figure's career trajectory while raising major questions 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-- participated 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.

The election also led to the visit of Tajudeen Agbede as Vice President of South-West and Akeem Adeosun as trustee from the zone.

In his acceptance speech, MC Oluomo called for unity within the union, specifying, "I have forgiven everybody who angered me, and I wish those I upset would forgive me too. This is our union, and we should be dedicated to its preservation. We will not enable anyone to ruin our means of livelihood."
A Controversial Past
However, MC Oluomo's ascension to the national presidency comes with considerable baggage and controversy.

Accusations 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.

Most significantly, during the 2023 general elections, MC Oluomo acquired national attention for his controversial function in election-related violence and voter intimidation.
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He was captured on video making threats versus Igbo citizens in Lagos State, alerting them to either choose the judgment All Progressives Congress (APC) or stay at home. While he later on declared the statement was a joke made to a friend nicknamed "Iya Chukwudi," the event resulted in widespread condemnation and calls for his arrest.

The after-effects of his dangers materialized in election day violence, where political goons apparently conducted civil-war-era-style "eye tests" to identify Igbo citizens, avoiding numerous from exercising their democratic rights. These actions caused the production of a petition requiring international travel bans against him, citing his role in prompting ethnic violence.
bet9ja.com Opposition and Concerns
The Concerned Transporters in South West of Nigeria, a group of transport workers, has actually 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 alleged use of union resources for individual gain as significant issues.

The group mentioned, "MC Oluomo's leadership style is inappropriate. He used union resources for personal gain, disregarding members' well-being." They also raised concerns about his ability to efficiently lead the nationwide body, indicating 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 evolved from a basic trade union into a powerful 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 politicians.

The union's structure, which extends from major cities to remote areas, has actually made it an appealing partner for political actors looking for to establish control over local neighborhoods. This has actually led to transforming what was originally a transport workers' union into what some critics describe as a sophisticated network for political mobilization and, in some cases, intimidation.
Political Influence and Violence
MC Oluomo's increase exemplifies the complex relationship in between transportation unions and political power in Nigeria. As recorded in numerous 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 frequently been slammed for blurring the lines between legitimate union activities and political thuggery. Throughout the 2023 elections, his company was accused of interfering with polling units and frightening voters, particularly those perceived to be opposition fans.
bet9ja.com Legal Challenges and Institutional Response
The controversial nature of MC Oluomo's management has actually led to different legal challenges. Significant 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 concerns about the politicization of essential electoral procedures.
Future Implications
As MC Oluomo assumes the nationwide management of the NURTW, questions remain about the union's future instructions and role in Nigeria's political landscape.
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While his fans celebrate his ability to preserve order and structure within the transportation sector, critics worry about the possible across the country growth of what they view as an unsafe blend of transport union power and political influence.

The visit likewise raises broader questions about the requirement for reform within Nigeria's transport union structure and the relationship between labour unions and political power.
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As the nation continues to grapple with problems of democratic consolidation and ethnic consistency, the role of prominent union leaders like MC Oluomo will likely stay a subject of extreme argument and scrutiny.

This development functions as a defining moment for reflection on the state of Nigeria's democratic organizations and the impact of non-state actors in the nation's political procedures.

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