1 MC Oluomo elected NURTW national president - Blueprint Newspapers Limited

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MC Oluomo's Controversial Rise: From Transport Union Leader to National NURTW President
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In an advancement that has actually triggered both celebration and issue across 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 an agreement election by union stakeholders and delegates.
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The election, which happened at the Union's Zonal Secretariat along the Osogbo/Ikirun road in Osun State, marks a significant milestone in the questionable figure's career trajectory while raising severe 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 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.

The election also resulted in 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 required unity within the union, stating, "I have forgiven everybody who upset me, and I wish those I angered would forgive me also. This is our union, and we must be dedicated to its preservation. We will not permit anybody to ruin our ways of income."
A Controversial Past
Nevertheless, MC Oluomo's ascension to the nationwide presidency comes with considerable baggage and debate.
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Accusations 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 significantly, during the 2023 basic elections, MC Oluomo acquired national attention for his controversial function in election-related violence and voter intimidation.

He was recorded on video making threats against Igbo voters in Lagos State, warning them to either elect the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) or remain at home. While he later claimed the statement was a joke made to a friend nicknamed "Iya Chukwudi," the incident led to widespread condemnation and requires his arrest.

The after-effects of his risks emerged in election day violence, where political thugs supposedly conducted civil-war-era-style "eye tests" to determine Igbo voters, avoiding numerous from exercising their democratic rights. These actions led to the production of a petition calling for international travel bans against him, citing his function in prompting 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 cited his questionable management design and declared use of union resources for individual gain as substantial issues.

The group specified, "MC Oluomo's management design is inappropriate. He used union resources for individual gain, overlooking members' well-being." They likewise raised issues about his capability to successfully lead the nationwide body, pointing to his history of conflicts with previous leaders and his controversial management style.
The NURTW's Evolution
The NURTW, formed in 1978 as a successor to the Nigerian Road Transport Union, has developed from a simple trade union into a powerful political force. With nearly 2 million members, the union has become deeply embedded in Nigeria's political landscape, frequently working as a vital grassroots mobilization tool for political leaders.

The union's structure, which extends from major cities to remote areas, has made it an attractive partner for political actors looking for to establish control over local communities. This has resulted in changing what was originally a transport workers' union into what some critics describe as a sophisticated network for political mobilization and, sometimes, intimidation.
Political Influence and Violence
MC Oluomo's rise exemplifies the complex relationship between transport unions and political power in Nigeria. As documented in numerous 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.

His methods of operation have frequently been criticized for blurring the lines in between genuine union activities and political thuggery. Throughout the 2023 elections, his organization was accused of interfering with polling units and intimidating citizens, particularly those perceived to be opposition advocates.
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The controversial nature of MC Oluomo's management has led to numerous legal obstacles. Significant among these was a court order throughout the 2023 elections that prevented INEC from engaging his services to distribute election materials in Lagos State, highlighting issues about the politicization of essential electoral procedures.
Future Implications
As MC Oluomo presumes the national management of the NURTW, questions 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 stress over the possible across the country expansion of what they view as a harmful blend of transport union power and political impact.

The visit also raises more comprehensive concerns about the requirement for reform within Nigeria's transport union structure and the relationship between labour unions and political power.

As the country continues to come to grips with problems of democratic debt consolidation and ethnic consistency, the function of prominent union leaders like MC Oluomo will likely remain a subject of extreme dispute and examination.
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This development serves as a critical moment for reflection on the state of Nigeria's democratic institutions and the impact of non-state actors in the nation's political procedures.

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 transport sector and Nigeria's broader political landscape.
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