MC Oluomo Elected As NURTW President - Punch Newspapers

MC Oluomo's Controversial Rise: From Transport Union Leader to National NURTW President
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In an advancement that has sparked both event and concern throughout Nigeria's transport sector, Musiliu Ayinde Akinsanya Akinsanya, commonly known as 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 took place at the Union's Zonal Secretariat along the Osogbo/Ikirun roadway in Osun State, marks a significant milestone in the questionable 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 prospect.


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.
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The election likewise 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 acceptance speech, MC Oluomo required unity within the union, mentioning, "I have actually forgiven everybody who angered me, and I wish those I angered would forgive me also. This is our union, and we should be dedicated to its conservation. We will not enable anyone to ruin our methods of livelihood."

A Controversial Past

Nevertheless, MC Oluomo's ascension to the nationwide presidency comes with considerable baggage and debate.


Claims of violence, political intimidation, and the weaponization of transportation union structures for political functions marked his tenure as the chairman of the Lagos State chapter of NURTW.
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Most especially, during the 2023 basic elections, MC Oluomo acquired nationwide attention for his controversial function in election-related violence and voter intimidation.


He was recorded on video making threats against Igbo voters in Lagos State, warning them to either choose the judgment All Progressives Congress (APC) or remain at home. While he later claimed the declaration was a joke made to a good friend nicknamed "Iya Chukwudi," the incident led to widespread condemnation and requires his arrest.


The consequences of his hazards materialized in election day violence, where political criminals supposedly performed civil-war-era-style "eye tests" to determine Igbo voters, avoiding lots of from exercising their democratic rights. These actions caused the production of a petition calling for international travel restrictions versus him, mentioning his role in inciting ethnic violence.

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 cited his questionable leadership design and declared use of union resources for individual gain as substantial concerns.
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The group stated, "MC Oluomo's leadership style is inappropriate. He used union resources for individual gain, neglecting members' welfare." They also raised concerns about his capability to efficiently lead the national body, pointing to his history of conflicts with previous leaders and his controversial management design.

The NURTW's Evolution

The NURTW, formed in 1978 as a follower to the Nigerian Road Transport Union, has evolved from a simple trade union into an effective political force. With nearly 2 million members, the union has actually become deeply embedded in Nigeria's political landscape, frequently serving as an essential grassroots mobilization tool for politicians.


The union's structure, which extends from major cities to remote areas, has actually made it an attractive partner for political stars seeking to establish control over local communities. This has caused changing what was originally a transportation workers' union into what some critics describe as a sophisticated network for political mobilization and, often, intimidation.
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Political Influence and Violence

MC Oluomo's increase exhibits the complex relationship between transport unions and political power in Nigeria. As documented in numerous reports, he has actually contributed in the Southwest's political campaigns and mobilization efforts, including significant participation in the 2018 Osun State governorship election and subsequent political contests.


His methods of operation have actually typically been criticized for blurring the lines between genuine union activities and political thuggery. Throughout the 2023 elections, his company was implicated of interfering with polling units and daunting voters, especially those viewed to be opposition advocates.
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Legal Challenges and Institutional Response

The controversial nature of MC Oluomo's management has actually resulted in different legal obstacles. Noteworthy amongst these was a court order throughout the 2023 elections that prevented INEC from engaging his services to disperse election materials in Lagos State, highlighting concerns about the politicization of necessary electoral procedures.
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Future Implications

As MC Oluomo assumes the national leadership of the NURTW, concerns stay about the union's future direction and role in Nigeria's political landscape.
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While his supporters celebrate his ability to preserve order and structure within the transport sector, critics stress over the prospective across the country expansion of what they view as a hazardous blend of transport union power and political influence.
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The consultation also raises more comprehensive questions about the need for reform within Nigeria's transportation union structure and the relationship in between labour unions and political power.


As the nation continues to face issues of democratic consolidation and ethnic consistency, the function of influential union leaders like MC Oluomo will likely stay a topic of extreme argument and analysis.
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This development works as a critical moment for reflection on the state of Nigeria's democratic institutions and the impact of non-state actors in the country's political procedures.


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