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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 actually sparked both celebration and issue throughout Nigeria's transport sector, Musiliu Akinsanya, commonly called MC Oluomo, has emerged as the National President of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) following a consensus election by union stakeholders and delegates.
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The election, which happened at the Union's Zonal Secretariat along the Osogbo/Ikirun roadway in Osun State, marks a substantial milestone in the questionable figure's career trajectory while raising serious questions about the intersection of transportation unions and political power in Nigeria.
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 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 appointment of Tajudeen Agbede as Vice President of South-West and Akeem Adeosun as trustee from the zone.

In his approval speech, MC Oluomo called for unity within the union, mentioning, "I have forgiven everybody who upset me, and I want those I angered would forgive me as well. This is our union, and we must be devoted to its conservation. We will not allow anybody to ruin our means of income."
A Controversial Past
Nevertheless, MC Oluomo's ascension to the nationwide presidency features significant baggage and controversy.

Claims 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.

Most notably, during the 2023 basic elections, MC Oluomo got nationwide attention for his controversial function in election-related violence and voter intimidation.

He was recorded on video making threats against Igbo citizens in Lagos State, alerting them to either elect the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) or remain at home. While he later on claimed the declaration was a joke made to a pal nicknamed "Iya Chukwudi," the occurrence caused prevalent condemnation and requires his arrest.
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The after-effects of his risks materialized in election day violence, where political thugs supposedly carried out civil-war-era-style "eye tests" to identify Igbo citizens, avoiding numerous from exercising their democratic rights. These actions resulted in the development of a petition requiring international travel bans against him, citing his role in inciting ethnic violence.
Opposition and Concerns
The Concerned Transporters in South West of Nigeria, a group of transportation employees, has emphatically 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 declared use of union resources for individual gain as significant concerns.
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The group specified, "MC Oluomo's management design is undesirable. He utilized union resources for individual gain, neglecting members' well-being." They also raised issues about his ability 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 follower to the Nigerian Road Transport Union, has actually progressed from a simple trade union into an effective 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 crucial grassroots mobilization tool for politicians.

The union's structure, which extends from significant cities to remote areas, has made it an attractive partner for political stars looking for to develop control over regional neighborhoods. This has resulted in changing what was originally a transport employees' union into what some critics describe as an advanced network for political mobilization and, often, intimidation.
bit.ly Political Influence and Violence
MC Oluomo's increase exemplifies the complex relationship in between transportation unions and political power in Nigeria. As recorded in different reports, he has contributed in the Southwest's political campaigns and mobilization efforts, including notable participation in the 2018 Osun State governorship election and subsequent political contests.

His methods of operation have actually frequently been slammed for blurring the lines in between genuine union activities and political thuggery. During the 2023 elections, his organization was implicated of disrupting polling systems and daunting citizens, especially those viewed to be opposition fans.
Legal Challenges and Institutional Response
The questionable nature of MC Oluomo's management has led to different legal obstacles. Significant among these was a court order during the 2023 elections that avoided INEC from engaging his services to distribute election products in Lagos State, highlighting concerns about the politicization of vital electoral procedures.
bet9ja.com Future Implications
As MC Oluomo assumes the nationwide management of the NURTW, concerns stay about the union's future instructions and function in Nigeria's political landscape.

While his advocates commemorate his ability to preserve order and structure within the transport sector, critics stress over the potential nationwide growth of what they view as a hazardous fusion of transport union power and political impact.

The visit also raises broader questions about the requirement for reform within Nigeria's transportation 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 remain a topic of extreme argument and analysis.

This advancement acts 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 processes.

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.