mc-oluomo-emerges-nurtw-president---tribune-online

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

In a development that has actually triggered both celebration and concern across Nigeria's transportation sector, Musiliu Ayinde Akinsanya Akinsanya, commonly 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.

The election, which occurred at the Union's Zonal Secretariat along the Osogbo/Ikirun roadway in Osun State, marks a substantial milestone in the questionable figure's profession trajectory while raising major 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-- participated in the election, which saw MC Oluomo as the sole prospect.
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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.
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The election also led to the consultation 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, specifying, "I have actually forgiven everyone who upset me, and I want those I upset would forgive me as well. This is our union, and we need to be dedicated to its conservation. We will not enable anybody to destroy our ways of livelihood."
A Controversial Past
However, MC Oluomo's ascension to the nationwide presidency features substantial luggage and debate.
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Accusations of violence, political intimidation, and the weaponization of transport union structures for political functions marked his period as the chairman of the Lagos State chapter of NURTW.
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Most especially, during the 2023 basic elections, MC Oluomo acquired national attention for his controversial role in election-related violence and voter intimidation.

He was caught on video making threats against Igbo voters in Lagos State, cautioning them to either choose the judgment All Progressives Congress (APC) or remain at home. While he later on declared the declaration was a joke made to a pal nicknamed "Iya Chukwudi," the occurrence caused extensive condemnation and calls for his arrest.

The aftermath of his hazards materialized in election day violence, where political criminals presumably carried out civil-war-era-style "eye tests" to identify Igbo citizens, preventing lots of from exercising their democratic rights. These actions led to the creation of a petition calling for global travel restrictions versus him, mentioning his function in prompting ethnic violence.
bet9ja.com Opposition and Concerns
The Concerned Transporters in South West of Nigeria, a group of transportation employees, 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 questionable management design and alleged use of union resources for personal gain as significant issues.
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The group specified, "MC Oluomo's leadership design is undesirable. He used union resources for personal gain, overlooking members' well-being." They likewise raised issues about his capability to efficiently lead the national 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 actually developed from a simple trade union into an effective political force. With nearly 2 million members, the union has become deeply embedded in Nigeria's political landscape, typically functioning as an essential grassroots mobilization tool for politicians.

The union's structure, which extends from major cities to remote locations, has made it an appealing partner for political stars looking for to develop control over regional neighborhoods. This has led to transforming what was initially a transport employees' union into what some critics describe as an advanced network for political mobilization and, in some cases, intimidation.
Political Influence and Violence
MC Oluomo's increase exhibits the complex relationship between transportation unions and political power in Nigeria. As recorded in numerous reports, he has been instrumental in the Southwest's political campaigns and mobilization efforts, consisting of significant involvement in the 2018 Osun State governorship election and subsequent political contests.

His methods of operation have typically been criticized for blurring the lines between legitimate union activities and political thuggery. Throughout the 2023 elections, his organization was implicated of interfering with polling systems and intimidating voters, especially those perceived to be opposition supporters.
bet9ja.com Legal Challenges and Institutional Response
The questionable nature of MC Oluomo's leadership has actually led to numerous legal obstacles. Significant amongst these was a court order during the 2023 elections that prevented INEC from engaging his services to distribute election materials in Lagos State, highlighting concerns about the politicization of essential electoral procedures.
bit.ly Future Implications
As MC Oluomo assumes the national leadership of the NURTW, questions stay about the union's future instructions and function in Nigeria's political landscape.

While his fans celebrate his ability to keep order and structure within the transportation sector, critics stress over the potential across the country expansion of what they see as a hazardous combination of transport union power and political influence.

The appointment also raises wider questions about the need for reform within Nigeria's transport union structure and the relationship in between labour unions and political power.

As the nation continues to come to grips with concerns of democratic combination and ethnic harmony, the function of prominent union leaders like MC Oluomo will likely stay a subject of extreme dispute and examination.

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

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