mc-oluomo-elected-nurtw-national-president---businessday-ng

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

In an advancement that has actually stimulated both event and issue across Nigeria's transport sector, Musiliu Ayinde Akinsanya Akinsanya, popularly known as MC Oluomo, has emerged as the National President of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) following an agreement 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 turning point in the controversial figure's career trajectory while raising major concerns about the intersection of transport unions and political power in Nigeria.
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 candidate.
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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 acceptance speech, MC Oluomo required unity within the union, specifying, "I have forgiven everybody who offended me, and I wish those I upset would forgive me too. This is our union, and we should be dedicated to its preservation. We will not enable anybody to damage our ways of income."
A Controversial Past
However, MC Oluomo's ascension to the nationwide presidency comes with considerable baggage and controversy.

Accusations of violence, political intimidation, and the weaponization of transportation union structures for political functions marked his period as the chairman of the Lagos State chapter of NURTW.

Most especially, during the 2023 general elections, MC Oluomo acquired national attention for his questionable 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, cautioning them to either elect the judgment All Progressives Congress (APC) or remain at home. While he later declared the statement was a joke made to a buddy nicknamed "Iya Chukwudi," the occurrence led to prevalent condemnation and calls for his arrest.
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The aftermath of his dangers emerged in election day violence, where political thugs supposedly performed civil-war-era-style "eye tests" to determine Igbo voters, avoiding many from exercising their democratic rights. These actions caused the production of a petition calling for global travel restrictions versus him, citing his function in inciting ethnic violence.
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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 mentioned his doubtful leadership design and declared use of union resources for individual gain as significant concerns.
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The group specified, "MC Oluomo's leadership style is inappropriate. He utilized union resources for individual gain, neglecting members' welfare." They also raised issues about his capability to efficiently lead the nationwide body, indicating his history of conflicts with previous leaders and his controversial management design.
The NURTW's Evolution
The NURTW, formed in 1978 as a successor to the Nigerian Road Transport Union, has developed from a basic trade union into an effective political force. With almost 2 million members, the union has actually ended up being deeply embedded in Nigeria's political landscape, typically functioning as an essential grassroots mobilization tool for political leaders.

The union's structure, which extends from major cities to remote locations, has made it an appealing partner for political actors seeking to establish control over local neighborhoods. This has resulted in changing what was initially a transportation workers' union into what some critics describe as a sophisticated network for political mobilization and, often, intimidation.
Political Influence and Violence
MC Oluomo's increase exhibits the complex relationship in between transport unions and political power in Nigeria. As documented in different reports, he has been instrumental in the Southwest's political campaigns and mobilization efforts, consisting of noteworthy involvement in the 2018 Osun State governorship election and subsequent political contests.

His methods of operation have actually frequently been slammed for blurring the lines between genuine union activities and political thuggery. Throughout the 2023 elections, his organization was accused of interrupting polling units and intimidating voters, particularly those perceived to be opposition advocates.
Legal Challenges and Institutional Response
The controversial nature of MC Oluomo's leadership has actually led to numerous legal difficulties. Significant among these was a court order during the 2023 elections that avoided INEC from engaging his services to distribute election products in Lagos State, highlighting concerns about the politicization of necessary electoral procedures.
Future Implications
As MC Oluomo assumes the national leadership of the NURTW, questions remain about the union's future direction and function in Nigeria's political landscape.
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While his fans celebrate his ability to preserve order and structure within the transportation sector, critics stress over the possible nationwide growth of what they see as a dangerous combination of transport union power and political impact.

The visit also raises more comprehensive concerns about the need for reform within Nigeria's transportation union structure and the relationship in between labour unions and political power.
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As the country continues to face problems of democratic consolidation and ethnic harmony, the function of prominent union leaders like MC Oluomo will likely remain a subject of extreme debate and scrutiny.

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

As MC Oluomo starts his tenure as National President, his actions will be closely viewed by supporters and critics alike, with substantial ramifications for the transport sector and Nigeria's wider political landscape.