mc-oluomo-elected-as-nurtw-president---nairaland-forum

MC Oluomo's Controversial Rise: From Transport Union Leader to National NURTW President
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In an advancement that has stimulated both celebration and concern throughout Nigeria's transport sector, Musiliu Ayinde Akinsanya Akinsanya, widely known as MC Oluomo, has emerged as 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 significant turning point in the controversial figure's career trajectory while raising major concerns 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.
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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 resulted in 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 called for unity within the union, stating, "I have actually forgiven everyone who offended me, and I want those I upset would forgive me also. This is our union, and we should be dedicated to its conservation. We will not enable anyone to ruin our ways of income."
A Controversial Past
However, MC Oluomo's ascension to the national presidency includes considerable baggage and controversy.

Claims 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.

Most significantly, throughout the 2023 general elections, MC Oluomo acquired national attention for his controversial function in election-related violence and voter intimidation.

He was captured on video making threats versus Igbo citizens in Lagos State, warning them to either vote for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) or remain at home. While he later claimed the statement was a joke made to a buddy nicknamed "Iya Chukwudi," the occurrence resulted in prevalent condemnation and calls for his arrest.

The aftermath of his threats materialized in election day violence, where political criminals allegedly conducted civil-war-era-style "eye tests" to identify Igbo citizens, preventing numerous from exercising their democratic rights. These actions led to the production of a petition calling for worldwide travel bans versus him, mentioning his role in inciting ethnic violence.
bit.ly Opposition and Concerns
The Concerned Transporters in South West of Nigeria, a group of transport workers, 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 questionable leadership style and alleged use of union resources for individual gain as significant concerns.
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The group stated, "MC Oluomo's management style is undesirable. He utilized union resources for personal gain, overlooking members' welfare." They also raised issues about his capability to effectively lead the national body, indicating his history of conflicts with previous leaders and his questionable management style.
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 an effective political force. With nearly 2 million members, the union has actually ended up being deeply embedded in Nigeria's political landscape, typically functioning as an important grassroots mobilization tool for politicians.

The union's structure, which extends from major cities to remote areas, has made it an attractive partner for political actors seeking to establish control over regional neighborhoods. This has actually led to changing what was initially a transportation workers' union into what some critics describe as a sophisticated network for political mobilization and, sometimes, intimidation.
bet9ja.com Political Influence and Violence
MC Oluomo's increase exhibits the complex relationship in between transportation unions and political power in Nigeria. As documented in numerous reports, he has contributed in the Southwest's political campaigns and mobilization efforts, consisting of noteworthy 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 legitimate union activities and political thuggery. During the 2023 elections, his company was accused of disrupting ballot units and intimidating citizens, especially those viewed to be opposition fans.
bet9ja.com Legal Challenges and Institutional Response
The questionable nature of MC Oluomo's management has led to numerous legal obstacles. Notable amongst these was a court order throughout the 2023 elections that avoided INEC from engaging his services to disperse election materials in Lagos State, highlighting concerns about the politicization of essential electoral procedures.
Future Implications
As MC Oluomo presumes the nationwide leadership of the NURTW, concerns remain about the union's future direction and function in Nigeria's political landscape.

While his advocates commemorate his capability to keep order and structure within the transportation sector, critics stress over the potential nationwide expansion of what they see as a harmful combination of transportation union power and political impact.

The consultation also raises broader concerns about the requirement for reform within Nigeria's transport union structure and the relationship between labour unions and political power.

As the nation continues to come to grips with problems of democratic debt consolidation and ethnic harmony, the role of prominent union leaders like MC Oluomo will likely stay a subject of intense debate and analysis.
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This development functions 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 period as National President, his actions will be closely seen by fans and critics alike, with considerable ramifications for the transport sector and Nigeria's more comprehensive political landscape.
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