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 an advancement that has actually stimulated both celebration and issue across Nigeria's transportation sector, Musiliu Akinsanya, widely called MC Oluomo, has actually become the National President of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) following an agreement 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 substantial turning point in the controversial figure's career trajectory while raising severe questions about the intersection 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 process 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 likewise 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, stating, "I have forgiven everyone who upset me, and I want those I upset would forgive me also. This is our union, and we must be dedicated to its preservation. We will not enable anyone to damage our ways of livelihood."
A Controversial Past
Nevertheless, MC Oluomo's ascension to the nationwide presidency features considerable baggage and debate.

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

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

He was recorded on video making threats versus Igbo citizens in Lagos State, cautioning them to either vote for the judgment All Progressives Congress (APC) or stay at home. While he later on declared the statement was a joke made to a good friend nicknamed "Iya Chukwudi," the event led to prevalent condemnation and calls for his arrest.
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The after-effects of his threats emerged in election day violence, where political hooligans allegedly conducted civil-war-era-style "eye tests" to determine Igbo voters, preventing many from exercising their democratic rights. These actions resulted in the development of a petition requiring worldwide travel restrictions against him, citing his function in inciting ethnic violence.
Opposition and Concerns
The Concerned Transporters in South West of Nigeria, a group of transport 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 cited his questionable management style and alleged use of union resources for personal gain as considerable issues.

The group stated, "MC Oluomo's management style is unacceptable. He utilized union resources for personal gain, neglecting members' well-being." They also raised issues about his capability to efficiently lead the national body, indicating his history of conflicts with previous leaders and his controversial management design.
The NURTW's Evolution
The NURTW, formed in 1978 as a successor to the Nigerian Road Transport Union, has actually evolved from a simple trade union into a powerful political force. With nearly 2 million members, the union has ended up being deeply embedded in Nigeria's political landscape, often serving as a crucial grassroots mobilization tool for political leaders.
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The union's structure, which extends from significant cities to remote locations, has made it an attractive partner for political stars seeking to develop control over regional communities. This has actually caused transforming what was originally a transportation workers' union into what some critics refer to as a sophisticated network for political mobilization and, in some cases, intimidation.
Political Influence and Violence
MC Oluomo's rise exemplifies the complex relationship in between transportation 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 noteworthy participation in the 2018 Osun State governorship election and subsequent political contests.
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His methods of operation have typically been criticized for blurring the lines in between legitimate union activities and political thuggery. Throughout the 2023 elections, his company was accused of interrupting polling units and frightening voters, particularly those viewed to be opposition fans.
bit.ly Legal Challenges and Institutional Response
The questionable nature of MC Oluomo's leadership has caused various legal obstacles. Notable among these was a court order during the 2023 elections that avoided INEC from engaging his services to disperse election materials in Lagos State, highlighting issues about the politicization of important electoral processes.
Future Implications
As MC Oluomo presumes the national management of the NURTW, concerns 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 transportation sector, critics stress over the prospective across the country expansion of what they view as a dangerous combination of transport union power and political influence.
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The consultation also raises wider concerns about the requirement for reform within Nigeria's transportation union structure and the relationship between labour unions and political power.

As the country continues to come to grips with issues of democratic debt consolidation and ethnic consistency, the function of prominent union leaders like MC Oluomo will likely stay a topic of intense argument and scrutiny.

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

As MC Oluomo begins his tenure as National President, his actions will be closely seen by advocates and critics alike, with significant ramifications for the transportation sector and Nigeria's wider political landscape.