1 MC Oluomo elected as NURTW president Vanguard News
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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 sparked both event and concern across Nigeria's transportation sector, Musiliu Ayinde Akinsanya Akinsanya, commonly known as MC Oluomo, has actually 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 occurred at the Union's Zonal Secretariat along the Osogbo/Ikirun roadway in Osun State, marks a substantial milestone in the controversial figure's profession trajectory while raising severe questions about the intersection of transport unions and political power in Nigeria.
bet9ja.com 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 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 also 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, specifying, "I have forgiven everyone who offended me, and I wish those I offended would forgive me too. This is our union, and we should be dedicated to its conservation. We will not permit anyone to ruin our ways of livelihood."
A Controversial Past
Nevertheless, MC Oluomo's ascension to the national presidency includes considerable luggage and debate.

Accusations 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 general elections, MC Oluomo gained national attention for his controversial function in election-related violence and voter intimidation.
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He was caught on video making threats versus Igbo voters in Lagos State, cautioning them to either elect the judgment All Progressives Congress (APC) or remain at home. While he later claimed the statement was a joke made to a friend nicknamed "Iya Chukwudi," the occurrence resulted in extensive condemnation and requires his arrest.

The aftermath of his risks materialized in election day violence, where political goons supposedly conducted civil-war-era-style "eye tests" to identify Igbo voters, preventing lots of from exercising their democratic rights. These actions caused the creation of a petition requiring international travel restrictions against him, citing his function in prompting ethnic violence.
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 cited his questionable management design and alleged use of union resources for individual gain as significant concerns.

The group mentioned, "MC Oluomo's leadership style is unacceptable. He utilized union resources for individual gain, ignoring members' welfare." They also raised concerns about his capability to effectively lead the nationwide 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 actually developed from an easy trade union into a powerful political force. With almost 2 million members, the union has ended up being deeply embedded in Nigeria's political landscape, frequently working as a vital grassroots mobilization tool for political leaders.

The union's structure, which extends from major cities to remote areas, has made it an appealing partner for political actors looking for to develop control over local communities. This has led to changing what was originally a transportation employees' union into what some critics refer to as a sophisticated network for political mobilization and, in some cases, intimidation.
Political Influence and Violence
MC Oluomo's increase exhibits the complex relationship in between transport unions and political power in Nigeria. As recorded in different reports, he has been instrumental in the Southwest's political campaigns and mobilization efforts, including significant involvement in the 2018 Osun State governorship election and subsequent political contests.
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His methods of operation have frequently been slammed for blurring the lines between genuine union activities and political thuggery. During the 2023 elections, his company was accused of disrupting ballot systems and daunting citizens, particularly those viewed to be opposition supporters.
Legal Challenges and Institutional Response
The controversial nature of MC Oluomo's leadership has actually led to numerous legal obstacles. Significant among these was a court order throughout the 2023 elections that avoided INEC from engaging his services to distribute election materials in Lagos State, highlighting issues about the politicization of essential electoral processes.
Future Implications
As MC Oluomo assumes the nationwide leadership of the NURTW, questions remain about the union's future instructions and function in Nigeria's political landscape.
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While his supporters celebrate his ability to keep order and structure within the transport sector, critics stress over the prospective nationwide growth of what they see as a harmful combination of transportation union power and political impact.
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The consultation likewise raises wider concerns about the need for reform within Nigeria's transport union structure and the relationship in between labour unions and political power.

As the country continues to face issues of democratic debt consolidation and ethnic harmony, the function of prominent union leaders like MC Oluomo will likely stay a subject of intense debate and scrutiny.
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This advancement functions 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 processes.

As MC Oluomo begins his tenure as National President, his actions will be carefully enjoyed by advocates and critics alike, with significant implications for the transportation sector and Nigeria's broader political landscape.
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