MC Oluomo elected as NURTW president - Leadership Newspaper
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MC Oluomo's Controversial Rise: From Transport Union Leader to National NURTW President
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In a development that has triggered both event 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 an agreement election by union stakeholders and delegates.

The election, which took place at the Union's Zonal Secretariat along the Osogbo/Ikirun road in Osun State, marks a substantial turning point in the controversial figure's profession trajectory while raising severe concerns about the intersection of transport unions and political power in Nigeria.
bet9ja.com 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 procedure 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 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 required unity within the union, mentioning, "I have forgiven everybody who angered me, and I want those I upset would forgive me as well. This is our union, and we should be dedicated to its conservation. We will not permit anybody to ruin our methods of livelihood."
A Controversial Past
However, MC Oluomo's ascension to the national presidency features considerable baggage and debate.
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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.
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Most especially, during the 2023 general elections, MC Oluomo acquired national attention for his controversial role in election-related violence and citizen intimidation.

He was recorded on video making threats versus Igbo citizens in Lagos State, warning them to either choose the judgment All Progressives Congress (APC) or stay at home. While he later declared the statement was a joke made to a buddy nicknamed "Iya Chukwudi," the incident led to extensive condemnation and requires his arrest.
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The consequences of his dangers materialized in election day violence, where political hooligans supposedly carried out civil-war-era-style "eye tests" to recognize Igbo citizens, preventing numerous from exercising their democratic rights. These actions led to the production of a petition requiring international travel bans against him, mentioning 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 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 leadership design and alleged use of union resources for individual gain as significant issues.
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The group stated, "MC Oluomo's management design is inappropriate. He utilized union resources for individual gain, neglecting members' well-being." They also raised issues about his ability to efficiently lead the national body, pointing to his history of conflicts with previous leaders and his controversial management style.
bet9ja.com The NURTW's Evolution
The NURTW, formed in 1978 as a follower to the Nigerian Road Transport Union, has evolved 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, frequently functioning as a crucial grassroots mobilization tool for political leaders.

The union's structure, which extends from major cities to remote locations, has actually made it an attractive partner for political stars seeking to establish control over local communities. This has led to changing what was initially a transportation employees' union into what some critics describe as a sophisticated network for political mobilization and, sometimes, intimidation.
bit.ly Political Influence and Violence
MC Oluomo's increase exemplifies the complex relationship between transport unions and political power in Nigeria. As documented in numerous reports, he has actually been instrumental in the Southwest's political campaigns and mobilization efforts, consisting of noteworthy involvement in the 2018 Osun State governorship election and subsequent political contests.
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His methods of operation have frequently been slammed for blurring the lines between legitimate union activities and political thuggery. During the 2023 elections, his organization was implicated of disrupting ballot systems and intimidating citizens, especially those perceived to be opposition advocates.
Legal Challenges and Institutional Response
The controversial nature of MC Oluomo's management has actually resulted in different legal obstacles. Noteworthy among 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.
bit.ly Future Implications
As MC Oluomo assumes the national management of the NURTW, concerns remain about the union's future instructions and function in Nigeria's political landscape.
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While his advocates celebrate his capability to preserve order and structure within the transportation sector, critics fret about the potential nationwide expansion of what they view as an unsafe fusion of transportation union power and political impact.

The visit also raises wider questions about the need for reform within Nigeria's transportation union structure and the relationship between labour unions and political power.
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As the nation continues to grapple with issues of democratic consolidation and ethnic consistency, the function of prominent union leaders like MC Oluomo will likely remain a topic of extreme debate and analysis.

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

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