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
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In a development that has actually sparked both event and issue throughout Nigeria's transport sector, Musiliu Akinsanya, widely known as 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.
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The election, which happened at the Union's Zonal Secretariat along the Osogbo/Ikirun road in Osun State, marks a considerable milestone in the controversial figure's profession trajectory while raising severe concerns about the crossway of transportation 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.
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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.

The election likewise led to the visit of Tajudeen Agbede as Vice President of South-West and Akeem Adeosun as trustee from the zone.

In his acceptance speech, MC Oluomo called for unity within the union, mentioning, "I have forgiven everybody who angered me, and I wish those I offended would forgive me also. This is our union, and we must be devoted to its preservation. We will not permit anyone to damage our methods of income."
bet9ja.com A Controversial Past
Nevertheless, MC Oluomo's ascension to the national presidency includes considerable baggage and debate.
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Accusations of violence, political intimidation, and the weaponization of transportation union structures for political purposes marked his tenure as the chairman of the Lagos State chapter of NURTW.

Most notably, during the 2023 basic elections, MC Oluomo got nationwide attention for his controversial role in election-related violence and citizen intimidation.
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He was caught on video making threats against Igbo citizens in Lagos State, warning them to either elect the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) or stay at home. While he later on claimed the declaration was a joke made to a pal nicknamed "Iya Chukwudi," the occurrence led to extensive condemnation and calls for his arrest.

The after-effects of his dangers materialized in election day violence, where political goons supposedly performed civil-war-era-style "eye tests" to recognize 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.
bet9ja.com 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 mentioned his questionable leadership style and declared use of union resources for personal gain as significant concerns.

The group mentioned, "MC Oluomo's management design is unacceptable. He used union resources for individual gain, neglecting members' well-being." They also raised issues about his capability to successfully lead the nationwide 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 progressed from an easy trade union into an effective political force. With almost 2 million members, the union has 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 significant cities to remote locations, has made it an appealing partner for political stars looking for to develop control over regional communities. This has actually resulted in changing what was initially a transport employees' union into what some critics refer to as a sophisticated network for political mobilization and, sometimes, intimidation.
Political Influence and Violence
MC Oluomo's increase exemplifies the complex relationship between transport unions and political power in Nigeria. As recorded in various reports, he has actually contributed in the Southwest's political campaigns and mobilization efforts, consisting of notable participation in the 2018 Osun State governorship election and subsequent political contests.

His methods of operation have typically been criticized for blurring the lines between genuine union activities and political thuggery. Throughout the 2023 elections, his organization was implicated of interrupting ballot units and frightening citizens, especially those perceived to be opposition fans.
Legal Challenges and Institutional Response
The controversial nature of MC Oluomo's management has actually resulted in numerous legal challenges. Significant among these was a court order throughout the 2023 elections that prevented INEC from engaging his services to distribute election materials in Lagos State, highlighting concerns about the politicization of vital electoral processes.
Future Implications
As MC Oluomo assumes the nationwide leadership of the NURTW, concerns stay about the union's future instructions and role in Nigeria's political landscape.

While his advocates celebrate his ability to maintain order and structure within the transport sector, critics fret about the potential across the country expansion of what they view as an unsafe fusion of transport union power and political impact.
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The appointment 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.

As the nation continues to face problems of democratic combination and ethnic harmony, the function of prominent union leaders like MC Oluomo will likely stay a subject of intense argument and scrutiny.
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This advancement works 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 processes.

As MC Oluomo starts his period as National President, his actions will be carefully viewed by fans and critics alike, with substantial ramifications for the transport sector and Nigeria's broader political landscape.
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