mc-oluomo-emerges-nurtw-national-president---the-nation-newspaper

MC Oluomo's Controversial Rise: From Transport Union Leader to National NURTW President
bit.ly
In an advancement that has sparked both event and concern across Nigeria's transportation sector, Musiliu Akinsanya, popularly referred to as 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.
bit.ly
The election, which occurred at the Union's Zonal Secretariat along the Osogbo/Ikirun road in Osun State, marks a substantial milestone in the controversial figure's profession trajectory while raising severe concerns about the crossway of transport unions and political power in Nigeria.
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 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.
bet9ja.com
The election also led to the appointment 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, stating, "I have forgiven everyone who angered me, and I want those I angered would forgive me as well. This is our union, and we should be dedicated to its conservation. We will not permit anyone to destroy our means of income."
bit.ly A Controversial Past
However, MC Oluomo's ascension to the national presidency comes with significant luggage and controversy.

Allegations 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 notably, during the 2023 basic elections, MC Oluomo acquired nationwide attention for his controversial function in election-related violence and citizen intimidation.

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

The consequences of his risks materialized in election day violence, where political hooligans supposedly carried out civil-war-era-style "eye tests" to recognize Igbo citizens, avoiding numerous from exercising their democratic rights. These actions caused the creation of a petition calling for international travel bans against him, mentioning his function in prompting ethnic violence.
bet9ja.com Opposition and Concerns
The Concerned Transporters in South West of Nigeria, a group of transport workers, has actually 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 style and declared use of union resources for individual gain as considerable concerns.

The group specified, "MC Oluomo's management design is inappropriate. He used union resources for personal gain, disregarding members' welfare." They likewise raised issues about his ability to successfully lead the national body, pointing to 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 successor to the Nigerian Road Transport Union, has actually progressed from a basic trade union into a powerful political force. With nearly 2 million members, the union has actually become deeply embedded in Nigeria's political landscape, frequently functioning as an essential 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 stars seeking to establish control over regional neighborhoods. This has led to transforming what was initially a transportation employees' union into what some critics describe as an advanced network for political mobilization and, often, intimidation.
Political Influence and Violence
MC Oluomo's increase exemplifies the complex relationship between transport unions and political power in Nigeria. As documented in various reports, he has contributed 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 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 voters, especially those perceived to be opposition fans.
Legal Challenges and Institutional Response
The questionable nature of MC Oluomo's leadership has actually resulted in various legal obstacles. Notable among these was a court order throughout the 2023 elections that prevented INEC from engaging his services to disperse election products in Lagos State, highlighting issues about the politicization of necessary electoral processes.
Future Implications
As MC Oluomo presumes the national leadership of the NURTW, questions remain about the union's future direction and function in Nigeria's political landscape.

While his advocates celebrate his ability to keep order and structure within the transportation sector, critics stress over the possible across the country growth of what they view as a dangerous combination of transportation union power and political impact.

The consultation likewise 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 country continues to come to grips with problems of democratic combination and ethnic harmony, the function of prominent union leaders like MC Oluomo will likely stay a subject of intense argument and examination.
bit.ly
This advancement works as a critical moment for reflection on the state of Nigeria's democratic organizations and the impact of non-state actors in the country's political processes.

As MC Oluomo begins his period as National President, his actions will be closely enjoyed by advocates and critics alike, with considerable ramifications for the transportation sector and Nigeria's wider political landscape.
bet9ja.com