MC Oluomo elected as NURTW president - The Cable
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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 issue throughout Nigeria's transportation sector, Musiliu Ayinde Akinsanya Akinsanya, commonly called MC Oluomo, has actually 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 significant milestone in the questionable figure's career trajectory while raising serious 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-- participated in the election, which saw MC Oluomo as the sole prospect.

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 approval speech, MC Oluomo required unity within the union, mentioning, "I have forgiven everybody who angered me, and I want those I angered would forgive me as well. This is our union, and we should be dedicated to its conservation. We will not allow anybody to ruin our means of livelihood."
A Controversial Past
However, MC Oluomo's ascension to the national presidency features considerable luggage and controversy.

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

Most especially, during the 2023 basic elections, MC Oluomo gained national attention for his questionable role in election-related violence and voter intimidation.
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He was recorded 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 claimed the declaration was a joke made to a friend nicknamed "Iya Chukwudi," the occurrence resulted in prevalent condemnation and calls for his arrest.

The consequences of his dangers materialized in election day violence, where political hooligans apparently carried out civil-war-era-style "eye tests" to determine Igbo citizens, avoiding lots of from exercising their democratic rights. These actions caused the development of a petition calling for international travel bans versus him, mentioning his role in inciting ethnic violence.
Opposition and Concerns
The Concerned Transporters in South West of Nigeria, a group of transport workers, has actually 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 alleged use of union resources for personal gain as significant concerns.

The group mentioned, "MC Oluomo's leadership style is undesirable. He used union resources for personal gain, neglecting members' well-being." They also raised issues about his capability to efficiently lead the nationwide body, indicating his history of conflicts with previous leaders and his questionable management style.
The NURTW's Evolution
The NURTW, formed in 1978 as a successor to the Nigerian Road Transport Union, has actually developed from a basic trade union into a powerful political force. With nearly 2 million members, the union has actually ended up being deeply embedded in Nigeria's political landscape, often functioning as a vital grassroots mobilization tool for politicians.

The union's structure, which extends from major cities to remote locations, has actually made it an attractive partner for political stars seeking to develop control over local neighborhoods. This has actually caused changing what was originally a transportation workers' union into what some critics refer to as an advanced network for political mobilization and, often, intimidation.
bet9ja.com Political Influence and Violence
MC Oluomo's rise exhibits the complex relationship in between transportation unions and political power in Nigeria. As documented in various reports, he has been instrumental in the Southwest's political campaigns and mobilization efforts, consisting of noteworthy participation in the 2018 Osun State governorship election and subsequent political contests.

His methods of operation have actually often been slammed for blurring the lines in between legitimate union activities and political thuggery. During the 2023 elections, his organization was accused of interrupting polling units and frightening voters, especially those viewed to be opposition advocates.
bit.ly Legal Challenges and Institutional Response
The questionable nature of MC Oluomo's leadership has actually caused various legal difficulties. Noteworthy amongst these was a court order during the 2023 elections that prevented INEC from engaging his services to disperse election materials in Lagos State, highlighting issues about the politicization of necessary electoral processes.
Future Implications
As MC Oluomo assumes the national management of the NURTW, concerns stay about the union's future instructions and function in Nigeria's political landscape.

While his fans commemorate his capability to preserve order and structure within the transport sector, critics fret about the prospective nationwide expansion of what they view as an unsafe combination of transportation union power and political influence.

The consultation 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.
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As the country continues to grapple with problems of democratic consolidation and ethnic consistency, the function of influential union leaders like MC Oluomo will likely stay a topic of extreme dispute and analysis.
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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 procedures.

As MC Oluomo starts his tenure as National President, his actions will be closely watched by advocates and critics alike, with significant ramifications for the transport sector and Nigeria's broader political landscape.
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