MC Oluomo Elected NURTW National President - Blueprint Newspapers Limited

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


In an advancement that has actually sparked both celebration and concern throughout Nigeria's transport sector, Musiliu Akinsanya, commonly referred to as MC Oluomo, has emerged as the National President of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) following a consensus election by union stakeholders and delegates.


The election, which happened at the Union's Zonal Secretariat along the Osogbo/Ikirun roadway in Osun State, marks a significant milestone in the controversial figure's career trajectory while raising serious concerns about the crossway of transport unions and political power in Nigeria.
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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 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.
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The election also resulted in the visit 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, stating, "I have actually forgiven everyone who angered me, and I want those I offended would forgive me as well. This is our union, and we must be devoted to its preservation. We will not allow anybody to destroy our means of livelihood."

A Controversial Past

Nevertheless, MC Oluomo's ascension to the nationwide presidency features substantial luggage and debate.


Allegations 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 significantly, throughout the 2023 basic elections, MC Oluomo gained nationwide attention for his controversial role in election-related violence and citizen intimidation.
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He was caught on video making threats versus Igbo citizens in Lagos State, alerting them to either vote for the judgment All Progressives Congress (APC) or stay at home. While he later declared the statement was a joke made to a pal nicknamed "Iya Chukwudi," the event resulted in widespread condemnation and requires his arrest.
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The aftermath of his risks emerged in election day violence, where political punks allegedly carried out civil-war-era-style "eye tests" to recognize Igbo voters, preventing numerous from exercising their democratic rights. These actions resulted in the creation of a petition requiring worldwide travel restrictions versus him, citing his role in inciting ethnic violence.
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Opposition and Concerns

The Concerned Transporters in South West of Nigeria, a group of transport workers, has 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 declared use of union resources for individual gain as considerable concerns.
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The group mentioned, "MC Oluomo's leadership design is inappropriate. He utilized union resources for personal gain, neglecting members' well-being." They also raised issues about his capability to efficiently lead the nationwide body, pointing to his history of conflicts with previous leaders and his controversial management design.
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The NURTW's Evolution

The NURTW, formed in 1978 as a follower to the Nigerian Road Transport Union, has actually progressed from an easy trade union into a powerful political force. With nearly 2 million members, the union has become deeply embedded in Nigeria's political landscape, frequently acting as an important 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 looking for to develop control over regional communities. This has actually resulted in transforming what was originally a transport workers' union into what some critics describe as a sophisticated network for political mobilization and, in some cases, intimidation.

Political Influence and Violence

MC Oluomo's rise exhibits the complex relationship between transport unions and political power in Nigeria. As documented in numerous reports, he has been instrumental in the Southwest's political campaigns and mobilization efforts, consisting of noteworthy 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 genuine union activities and political thuggery. Throughout the 2023 elections, his organization was implicated of interrupting polling units and daunting voters, especially those viewed to be opposition advocates.
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Legal Challenges and Institutional Response

The questionable nature of MC Oluomo's leadership has actually caused numerous legal difficulties. Notable among these was a court order during the 2023 elections that prevented INEC from engaging his services to distribute election materials in Lagos State, highlighting concerns about the politicization of essential electoral procedures.
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Future Implications

As MC Oluomo presumes the national management of the NURTW, concerns remain about the union's future direction and role in Nigeria's political landscape.
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While his advocates celebrate his capability to keep order and structure within the transportation sector, critics fret about the prospective nationwide growth of what they view as an unsafe blend of transportation union power and political influence.


The appointment also raises broader concerns about the need for reform within Nigeria's transport union structure and the relationship between labour unions and political power.


As the country continues to face concerns of democratic combination and ethnic harmony, the function of prominent union leaders like MC Oluomo will likely stay a subject of intense dispute and examination.


This advancement works as a defining moment for reflection on the state of Nigeria's democratic organizations and the influence of non-state actors in the nation's political procedures.


As MC Oluomo starts his period as National President, his actions will be closely enjoyed by fans and critics alike, with significant ramifications for the transport sector and Nigeria's more comprehensive political landscape.
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