MC Oluomo elected as NURTW president - Nairaland Forum
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MC Oluomo's Controversial Rise: From Transport Union Leader to National NURTW President

In a development that has actually sparked both celebration and concern throughout Nigeria's transportation sector, Musiliu Akinsanya, widely 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 happened at the Union's Zonal Secretariat along the Osogbo/Ikirun roadway in Osun State, marks a significant milestone in the questionable 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.

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 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 acceptance speech, MC Oluomo required unity within the union, mentioning, "I have forgiven everybody who angered me, and I want those I angered would forgive me as well. This is our union, and we should be committed to its conservation. We will not allow anyone to ruin our ways of income."
A Controversial Past
However, MC Oluomo's ascension to the national presidency features significant baggage and debate.
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Accusations of violence, political intimidation, and the weaponization of transportation union structures for political functions marked his tenure as the chairman of the Lagos State chapter of NURTW.

Most especially, during the 2023 general elections, MC Oluomo acquired national attention for his controversial function in election-related violence and citizen intimidation.
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He was caught 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 statement was a joke made to a good friend nicknamed "Iya Chukwudi," the occurrence resulted in extensive condemnation and calls for his arrest.

The consequences of his hazards materialized in election day violence, where political punks allegedly performed civil-war-era-style "eye tests" to identify Igbo voters, preventing numerous from exercising their democratic rights. These actions resulted in the development of a petition calling for worldwide travel bans versus him, citing his function in prompting ethnic violence.
Opposition and Concerns
The Concerned Transporters in South West of Nigeria, a group of transport employees, has actually emphatically opposed MC Oluomo's rise to power. In a communique signed by Comrade Taiwo Ariyo and Alhaji Ahmed Ibrahim, the group mentioned his doubtful management design and alleged use of union resources for individual gain as considerable concerns.
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The group stated, "MC Oluomo's management style is inappropriate. He utilized union resources for personal gain, ignoring members' welfare." They also raised issues about his ability to effectively lead the nationwide body, indicating his history of conflicts with previous leaders and his questionable management design.
The NURTW's Evolution
The NURTW, formed in 1978 as a successor to the Nigerian Road Transport Union, has evolved from a simple 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, often acting as an important grassroots mobilization tool for politicians.
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The union's structure, which extends from significant cities to remote areas, has actually made it an attractive partner for political actors seeking to establish control over local neighborhoods. This has actually resulted in transforming what was initially a transportation workers' union into what some critics describe as a sophisticated network for political mobilization and, sometimes, intimidation.
Political Influence and Violence
MC Oluomo's increase exemplifies the complex relationship between transportation unions and political power in Nigeria. As documented in various reports, he has actually been instrumental in the Southwest's political campaigns and mobilization efforts, consisting of notable involvement in the 2018 Osun State governorship election and subsequent political contests.
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His methods of operation have typically been slammed for blurring the lines in between genuine union activities and political thuggery. During the 2023 elections, his organization was implicated of interrupting ballot units and intimidating voters, especially those viewed to be opposition fans.
bit.ly Legal Challenges and Institutional Response
The questionable nature of MC Oluomo's leadership has caused numerous legal obstacles. Significant amongst these was a court order during the 2023 elections that avoided INEC from engaging his services to disperse election products in Lagos State, highlighting concerns about the politicization of necessary electoral processes.
Future Implications
As MC Oluomo assumes the nationwide leadership of the NURTW, concerns remain about the union's future instructions and role in Nigeria's political landscape.

While his advocates celebrate his ability to maintain order and structure within the transport sector, critics worry about the prospective nationwide growth of what they see as an unsafe blend of transportation union power and political influence.
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The appointment likewise raises broader questions about the need for reform within Nigeria's transport union structure and the relationship between labour unions and political power.

As the nation continues to face concerns of democratic combination and ethnic harmony, the role of prominent union leaders like MC Oluomo will likely remain a subject of intense debate and examination.
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This development acts as a defining moment for reflection on the state of Nigeria's democratic organizations and the influence of non-state actors in the country's political procedures.

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