MC Oluomo elected NURTW national president - Daily Trust
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MC Oluomo's Controversial Rise: From Transport Union Leader to National NURTW President

In an advancement that has sparked both event and issue across Nigeria's transportation sector, Musiliu Akinsanya, widely called MC Oluomo, has actually 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 occurred at the Union's Zonal Secretariat along the Osogbo/Ikirun roadway in Osun State, marks a considerable milestone in the questionable figure's career trajectory while raising severe questions about the crossway of transportation unions and political power in Nigeria.
bet9ja.com The Rise to Power
Delegates from 4 South-West states-- Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, and Ekiti-- participated in the election, which saw MC Oluomo as the sole candidate.

The procedure was supervised 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.

In his acceptance speech, MC Oluomo required unity within the union, mentioning, "I have actually forgiven everybody who upset me, and I wish those I angered would forgive me also. This is our union, and we need to be devoted to its preservation. We will not permit anybody to destroy our methods of income."
A Controversial Past
Nevertheless, MC Oluomo's ascension to the nationwide presidency features considerable luggage and debate.
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Claims of violence, political intimidation, and the weaponization of transport union structures for political functions marked his tenure as the chairman of the Lagos State chapter of NURTW.

Most significantly, during the 2023 general elections, MC Oluomo acquired nationwide attention for his controversial role 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 judgment All Progressives Congress (APC) or remain at home. While he later on declared the statement was a joke made to a buddy nicknamed "Iya Chukwudi," the event resulted in widespread condemnation and calls for his arrest.
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The aftermath of his threats materialized in election day violence, where political criminals presumably performed civil-war-era-style "eye tests" to recognize Igbo voters, avoiding numerous from exercising their democratic rights. These actions caused the creation of a petition requiring global travel restrictions against him, citing his role in inciting ethnic violence.
bet9ja.com 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 cited his doubtful leadership design and alleged use of union resources for personal gain as significant concerns.

The group specified, "MC Oluomo's leadership design is inappropriate. He used union resources for individual gain, ignoring 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.
bet9ja.com The NURTW's Evolution
The NURTW, formed in 1978 as a follower to the Nigerian Road Transport Union, has actually progressed from an easy trade union into an effective political force. With nearly 2 million members, the union has become deeply embedded in Nigeria's political landscape, often working as a crucial grassroots mobilization tool for politicians.

The union's structure, which extends from major cities to remote locations, has actually made it an attractive partner for political actors seeking to develop control over regional communities. This has led to transforming what was initially a transportation workers' 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 exemplifies the complex relationship between transportation unions and political power in Nigeria. As recorded in various reports, he has actually 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 often been slammed for blurring the lines between legitimate union activities and political thuggery. Throughout the 2023 elections, his company was accused of interrupting polling units and daunting voters, particularly those viewed to be opposition advocates.
bet9ja.com Legal Challenges and Institutional Response
The controversial nature of MC Oluomo's leadership has resulted in various legal challenges. Notable amongst these was a court order during the 2023 elections that avoided INEC from engaging his services to distribute election materials in Lagos State, highlighting issues about the politicization of necessary electoral procedures.
bet9ja.com Future Implications
As MC Oluomo presumes the nationwide 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 transportation sector, critics worry about the possible nationwide expansion of what they see as an unsafe blend of transport union power and political influence.

The appointment likewise raises wider questions about the requirement for reform within Nigeria's transportation union structure and the relationship in between labour unions and political power.
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As the nation continues to grapple with problems of democratic debt consolidation and ethnic consistency, the role of influential union leaders like MC Oluomo will likely stay a subject of extreme argument and examination.

This development acts as a defining moment for reflection on the state of Nigeria's democratic organizations and the impact of non-state actors in the country's political procedures.

As MC Oluomo begins his period as National President, his actions will be carefully enjoyed by advocates and critics alike, with considerable ramifications for the transport sector and Nigeria's broader political landscape.
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