mc-oluomo-elected-nurtw-national-president---the-guardian-nigeria-news

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

In an advancement that has stimulated both event and issue across Nigeria's transportation sector, Musiliu Ayinde Akinsanya Akinsanya, popularly referred to as MC Oluomo, has actually 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 took place at the Union's Zonal Secretariat along the Osogbo/Ikirun roadway in Osun State, marks a substantial turning point in the questionable figure's profession trajectory while raising serious questions about the intersection of transportation 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 prospect.

The process 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.
bit.ly
The election likewise led to the consultation of Tajudeen Agbede as Vice President of South-West and Akeem Adeosun as trustee from the zone.

In his approval speech, MC Oluomo required unity within the union, specifying, "I have forgiven everyone who upset me, and I want those I upset would forgive me as well. This is our union, and we need to be dedicated to its preservation. We will not allow anybody to damage our methods of income."
bet9ja.com A Controversial Past
Nevertheless, MC Oluomo's ascension to the national presidency comes with substantial luggage and controversy.
bet9ja.com
Accusations of violence, political intimidation, and the weaponization of transport union structures for political purposes marked his tenure as the chairman of the Lagos State chapter of NURTW.

Most notably, during the 2023 general elections, MC Oluomo acquired national attention for his questionable role in election-related violence and citizen intimidation.
bit.ly
He was recorded on video making threats versus Igbo voters in Lagos State, warning them to either choose the judgment All Progressives Congress (APC) or remain at home. While he later on declared the declaration was a joke made to a pal nicknamed "Iya Chukwudi," the incident resulted in prevalent condemnation and requires his arrest.

The aftermath of his dangers emerged in election day violence, where political thugs allegedly performed civil-war-era-style "eye tests" to identify Igbo citizens, preventing lots of from exercising their democratic rights. These actions led to the development of a petition requiring international travel bans versus him, mentioning his role in inciting ethnic violence.
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 doubtful leadership design and alleged use of union resources for personal gain as significant concerns.

The group specified, "MC Oluomo's management design is unacceptable. He used union resources for personal gain, disregarding members' well-being." They also raised concerns about his capability to effectively lead the nationwide body, pointing to his history of conflicts with previous leaders and his questionable management style.
bet9ja.com The NURTW's Evolution
The NURTW, formed in 1978 as a follower to the Nigerian Road Transport Union, has developed from a basic trade union into an effective political force. With nearly 2 million members, the union has actually ended up being 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 areas, has actually made it an attractive partner for political stars seeking to develop control over regional neighborhoods. This has actually resulted in transforming what was initially a transportation employees' 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 rise exhibits the complex relationship in between transport unions and political power in Nigeria. As recorded in numerous reports, he has actually contributed in the Southwest's political campaigns and mobilization efforts, including noteworthy involvement in the 2018 Osun State governorship election and subsequent political contests.
bit.ly
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 disrupting polling systems and intimidating citizens, particularly those perceived to be opposition fans.
bit.ly Legal Challenges and Institutional Response
The controversial nature of MC Oluomo's management has actually led to numerous legal obstacles. Significant amongst these was a court order during the 2023 elections that avoided INEC from engaging his services to disperse election materials in Lagos State, highlighting issues about the politicization of essential electoral procedures.
bet9ja.com Future Implications
As MC Oluomo presumes the national leadership of the NURTW, concerns remain about the union's future instructions and role in Nigeria's political landscape.

While his advocates celebrate his capability to maintain order and structure within the transport sector, critics fret about the prospective nationwide growth of what they see as a harmful fusion of transport union power and political impact.

The consultation likewise raises broader questions about the requirement for reform within Nigeria's transport union structure and the relationship in between labour unions and political power.
bet9ja.com
As the country continues to face issues of democratic combination and ethnic harmony, the role of influential union leaders like MC Oluomo will likely stay a topic of extreme debate and scrutiny.

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

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