1 MC Oluomo emerges NURTW national president - Punch Newspapers
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MC Oluomo's Controversial Rise: From Transport Union Leader to National NURTW President

In an advancement that has actually stimulated both event and concern throughout Nigeria's transportation sector, Musiliu Ayinde Akinsanya Akinsanya, commonly referred to as MC Oluomo, has become 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 controversial figure's profession trajectory while raising major concerns about the crossway of transportation unions and political power in Nigeria.
The Rise to Power
Delegates from four 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.

The election likewise led to the consultation of Tajudeen Agbede as Vice President of South-West and Akeem Adeosun as trustee from the zone.
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In his approval speech, MC Oluomo required unity within the union, stating, "I have actually forgiven everyone who offended me, and I want those I angered would forgive me too. This is our union, and we need to be committed to its preservation. We will not allow anyone to ruin our ways of income."
A Controversial Past
Nevertheless, MC Oluomo's ascension to the nationwide presidency features substantial baggage and controversy.

Allegations of violence, political intimidation, and the weaponization of transport union structures for political purposes marked his tenure as the chairman of the Lagos State chapter of NURTW.

Most notably, during the 2023 general elections, MC Oluomo gained nationwide attention for his controversial role in election-related violence and voter intimidation.
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He was caught on video making threats versus Igbo voters in Lagos State, warning them to either elect 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 occurrence resulted in widespread condemnation and calls for his arrest.

The after-effects of his risks emerged in election day violence, where political punks allegedly conducted civil-war-era-style "eye tests" to identify Igbo voters, preventing many from exercising their democratic rights. These actions resulted in the creation of a petition calling for global travel restrictions against him, mentioning his role in prompting ethnic violence.
bet9ja.com Opposition and Concerns
The Concerned Transporters in South West of Nigeria, a group of transportation 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 doubtful leadership style and alleged use of union resources for personal gain as considerable issues.

The group specified, "MC Oluomo's leadership style is unacceptable. He utilized union resources for individual gain, ignoring members' welfare." They likewise raised issues about his capability to successfully 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 successor to the Nigerian Road Transport Union, has progressed 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 acting as an essential grassroots mobilization tool for politicians.

The union's structure, which extends from significant cities to remote areas, has made it an appealing partner for political stars looking for to develop control over regional neighborhoods. This has actually caused changing what was initially a transportation employees' union into what some critics describe as an advanced network for political mobilization and, sometimes, intimidation.
Political Influence and Violence
MC Oluomo's rise exhibits the complex relationship in between transportation unions and political power in Nigeria. As recorded in various reports, he has been instrumental in the Southwest's political campaigns and mobilization efforts, consisting of significant participation in the 2018 Osun State governorship election and subsequent political contests.

His methods of operation have actually frequently been criticized for blurring the lines in between legitimate union activities and political thuggery. During the 2023 elections, his organization was implicated of interrupting polling units and intimidating voters, especially those viewed to be opposition fans.
Legal Challenges and Institutional Response
The questionable nature of MC Oluomo's management has led to various legal obstacles. Notable amongst these was a court order throughout the 2023 elections that avoided INEC from engaging his services to distribute election products in Lagos State, highlighting issues about the politicization of essential electoral procedures.
bet9ja.com Future Implications
As MC Oluomo presumes the national leadership of the NURTW, concerns stay about the union's future direction and function in Nigeria's political landscape.

While his fans commemorate his capability to maintain order and structure within the transportation sector, critics stress over the possible across the country expansion of what they see as a hazardous combination of transportation union power and political impact.
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The consultation also raises broader 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 grapple with concerns of democratic combination and ethnic consistency, the function of influential union leaders like MC Oluomo will likely remain a topic of intense debate and analysis.

This development functions as a critical moment for reflection on the state of Nigeria's democratic organizations and the influence of non-state actors in the nation's political processes.

As MC Oluomo starts his tenure as National President, his actions will be carefully seen by fans and critics alike, with substantial ramifications for the transportation sector and Nigeria's wider political landscape.