mc-oluomo-elected-nurtw-national-president---sahara-reporters

MC Oluomo's Controversial Rise: From Transport Union Leader to National NURTW President

In an advancement that has triggered both celebration and concern throughout Nigeria's transportation sector, Musiliu Akinsanya, widely called MC Oluomo, has become the National President of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) following an agreement election by union stakeholders and delegates.

The election, which happened at the Union's Zonal Secretariat along the Osogbo/Ikirun road in Osun State, marks a significant milestone in the controversial figure's profession trajectory while raising serious concerns about the crossway of transport unions and political power in Nigeria.
bit.ly 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 prospect.
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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.

The election also resulted in the visit 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 called for unity within the union, stating, "I have actually forgiven everybody who angered me, and I want those I offended would forgive me also. This is our union, and we must be devoted to its preservation. We will not permit anybody to destroy our ways of livelihood."
bet9ja.com A Controversial Past
However, MC Oluomo's ascension to the nationwide presidency includes considerable baggage 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.
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Most significantly, during the 2023 general elections, MC Oluomo got nationwide attention for his controversial function in election-related violence and voter intimidation.
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He was caught on video making threats against Igbo voters in Lagos State, warning them to either elect the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) or remain at home. While he later claimed the declaration was a joke made to a pal nicknamed "Iya Chukwudi," the event resulted in prevalent condemnation and calls for his arrest.
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The aftermath of his hazards emerged in election day violence, where political goons apparently performed civil-war-era-style "eye tests" to identify Igbo voters, preventing many from exercising their democratic rights. These actions resulted in the production of a petition requiring international travel restrictions against him, mentioning his function in inciting ethnic violence.
bit.ly Opposition and Concerns
The Concerned Transporters in South West of Nigeria, a group of transport workers, 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 questionable management design and declared use of union resources for individual gain as substantial issues.
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The group stated, "MC Oluomo's management design is unacceptable. He used union resources for individual gain, neglecting members' well-being." They likewise raised issues about his ability to efficiently lead the nationwide body, pointing to his history of conflicts with previous leaders and his controversial management style.
The NURTW's Evolution
The NURTW, formed in 1978 as a successor to the Nigerian Road Transport Union, has developed from an easy trade union into an effective political force. With almost 2 million members, the union has become deeply embedded in Nigeria's political landscape, typically functioning as a crucial 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 local neighborhoods. This has caused transforming what was originally a transport 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 rise exemplifies the complex relationship between transportation unions and political power in Nigeria. As recorded in numerous reports, he has been instrumental 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 frequently been criticized for blurring the lines between legitimate union activities and political thuggery. During the 2023 elections, his company was implicated of disrupting ballot systems and daunting voters, particularly those perceived to be opposition supporters.
bit.ly Legal Challenges and Institutional Response
The controversial nature of MC Oluomo's management has actually led to numerous legal obstacles. Noteworthy among these was a court order during the 2023 elections that prevented INEC from engaging his services to disperse election materials in Lagos State, highlighting concerns about the politicization of vital electoral processes.
Future Implications
As MC Oluomo assumes the national leadership of the NURTW, concerns remain about the union's future instructions and function in Nigeria's political landscape.
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While his advocates commemorate his ability to maintain order and structure within the transport sector, critics worry about the possible nationwide growth of what they view as a hazardous fusion of transport union power and political influence.

The visit also raises wider questions about the requirement for reform within Nigeria's transportation union structure and the relationship in between labour unions and political power.

As the nation continues to face problems of democratic consolidation and ethnic consistency, the function of influential union leaders like MC Oluomo will likely remain a topic of intense debate and examination.

This advancement serves as a critical moment for reflection on the state of Nigeria's democratic institutions and the impact of non-state stars in the nation's political procedures.

As MC Oluomo starts his period as National President, his actions will be carefully viewed by advocates and critics alike, with considerable implications for the transport sector and Nigeria's wider political landscape.