mc-oluomo-elected-as-nurtw-president---the-guardian-nigeria-news

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

In a development that has actually triggered both event and concern across Nigeria's transport sector, Musiliu Akinsanya, commonly called MC Oluomo, has become the National President of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) following an agreement election by union stakeholders and delegates.
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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 questionable figure's career trajectory while raising major questions about the crossway of transportation unions and political power in Nigeria.
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 prospect.
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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 also resulted in the appointment of Tajudeen Agbede as Vice President of South-West and Akeem Adeosun as trustee from the zone.
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In his approval speech, MC Oluomo called for unity within the union, specifying, "I have forgiven everybody who upset me, and I wish those I upset would forgive me too. This is our union, and we must be dedicated to its conservation. We will not enable anybody to damage our ways of income."
bet9ja.com A Controversial Past
Nevertheless, MC Oluomo's ascension to the nationwide presidency includes considerable luggage and controversy.
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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 questionable 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 elect the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) or remain at home. While he later claimed the declaration was a joke made to a buddy nicknamed "Iya Chukwudi," the occurrence led to widespread condemnation and calls for his arrest.

The consequences of his hazards materialized in election day violence, where political thugs supposedly performed civil-war-era-style "eye tests" to determine Igbo voters, preventing lots of from exercising their democratic rights. These actions resulted in the development of a petition calling for worldwide travel restrictions versus him, mentioning his role in prompting ethnic violence.
Opposition and Concerns
The Concerned Transporters in South West of Nigeria, a group of transport employees, has vehemently 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 declared use of union resources for individual gain as significant issues.

The group stated, "MC Oluomo's management design is undesirable. He utilized union resources for individual gain, ignoring members' welfare." They also raised concerns about his capability to successfully lead the nationwide body, pointing to his history of conflicts with previous leaders and his controversial management design.
bet9ja.com The NURTW's Evolution
The NURTW, formed in 1978 as a successor 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, typically serving as a vital grassroots mobilization tool for politicians.
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The union's structure, which extends from major cities to remote areas, has made it an attractive partner for political actors seeking to develop control over regional communities. This has resulted in transforming what was initially a transportation workers' union into what some critics refer to as a sophisticated network for political mobilization and, sometimes, intimidation.
bet9ja.com Political Influence and Violence
MC Oluomo's increase exemplifies 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 significant involvement in the 2018 Osun State governorship election and subsequent political contests.

His methods of operation have actually often been criticized for blurring the lines in between genuine union activities and political thuggery. During the 2023 elections, his organization was accused of interfering with ballot systems and intimidating citizens, particularly those viewed to be opposition fans.
Legal Challenges and Institutional Response
The controversial nature of MC Oluomo's leadership has caused different legal difficulties. Noteworthy amongst these was a court order during the 2023 elections that avoided INEC from engaging his services to distribute election materials in Lagos State, highlighting concerns about the politicization of vital electoral processes.
bit.ly Future Implications
As MC Oluomo presumes the nationwide management of the NURTW, questions remain about the union's future instructions and role in Nigeria's political landscape.

While his advocates celebrate his ability to keep order and structure within the transportation sector, critics worry about the possible across the country expansion of what they see as a hazardous combination of transport union power and political impact.
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The visit likewise raises broader concerns about the need for reform within Nigeria's transport union structure and the relationship in between labour unions and political power.

As the country continues to face problems of democratic combination and ethnic harmony, the role of influential union leaders like MC Oluomo will likely remain a topic of intense debate and analysis.

This development works as a critical moment for reflection on the state of Nigeria's democratic organizations and the influence of non-state stars in the country's political procedures.

As MC Oluomo starts his tenure as National President, his actions will be carefully enjoyed by fans and critics alike, with considerable ramifications for the transportation sector and Nigeria's more comprehensive political landscape.
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