1 MC Oluomo elected as NURTW president The Nation Newspaper
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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 event and issue throughout Nigeria’s transport sector, Musiliu Ayinde Akinsanya Akinsanya, popularly 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.

The election, which occurred at the Union’s Zonal Secretariat along the Osogbo/Ikirun roadway in Osun State, marks a significant turning point in the questionable figure’s profession trajectory while raising major concerns about the intersection of transportation unions and political power in Nigeria.
bet9ja.com 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 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 likewise led to the consultation of Tajudeen Agbede as Vice President of South-West and Akeem Adeosun as trustee from the zone.
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In his approval speech, MC Oluomo called for unity within the union, specifying, “I have actually forgiven everybody who angered me, and I wish those I upset would forgive me also. This is our union, and we must be dedicated to its preservation. We will not allow anyone to damage our means of livelihood.“
bit.ly A Controversial Past
Nevertheless, MC Oluomo’s ascension to the nationwide presidency includes substantial luggage and debate.

Allegations of violence, political intimidation, and the weaponization of transport union structures for political purposes marked his period as the chairman of the Lagos State chapter of NURTW.

Most notably, during the 2023 basic elections, MC Oluomo acquired national attention for his controversial function in election-related violence and citizen intimidation.

He was caught on video making threats against Igbo citizens in Lagos State, warning them to either vote for the judgment All Progressives Congress (APC) or stay at home. While he later claimed the statement was a joke made to a buddy nicknamed “Iya Chukwudi,” the incident resulted in widespread condemnation and calls for his arrest.

The aftermath of his threats emerged in election day violence, where political goons allegedly conducted civil-war-era-style “eye tests” to recognize Igbo citizens, avoiding numerous from exercising their democratic rights. These actions caused the production of a petition requiring global travel restrictions versus him, mentioning his function in prompting ethnic violence.
bet9ja.com 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 cited his questionable management style and declared use of union resources for individual gain as significant issues.
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The group stated, “MC Oluomo’s leadership design is undesirable. He used union resources for individual gain, overlooking members’ well-being.” They likewise raised concerns about his ability to effectively lead the nationwide body, pointing to 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 actually evolved from a basic trade union into a powerful political force. With nearly 2 million members, the union has actually ended up being deeply embedded in Nigeria’s political landscape, frequently working as an important grassroots mobilization tool for political leaders.
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The union’s structure, which extends from significant cities to remote areas, has actually made it an appealing partner for political stars looking for to establish control over regional neighborhoods. This has led to changing what was originally a transport workers’ union into what some critics refer to as an advanced network for political mobilization and, sometimes, intimidation.
Political Influence and Violence
MC Oluomo’s rise exhibits the complex relationship in between transportation unions and political power in Nigeria. As recorded in numerous reports, he has contributed in the Southwest’s political campaigns and mobilization efforts, consisting of significant involvement in the 2018 Osun State governorship election and subsequent political contests.
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His methods of operation have frequently been slammed for blurring the lines between genuine union activities and political thuggery. During the 2023 elections, his organization was implicated of interfering with polling units and daunting citizens, particularly those perceived to be opposition supporters.
bit.ly Legal Challenges and Institutional Response
The questionable nature of MC Oluomo’s management has actually led to various legal challenges. Noteworthy amongst these was a court order throughout the 2023 elections that avoided INEC from engaging his services to disperse election materials in Lagos State, highlighting issues about the politicization of important electoral procedures.
Future Implications
As MC Oluomo presumes the national leadership of the NURTW, concerns remain about the union’s future direction and role in Nigeria’s political landscape.

While his supporters celebrate his ability to preserve order and structure within the transport sector, critics fret about the possible nationwide expansion of what they see as a harmful combination of transportation union power and political impact.
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The visit also raises more comprehensive questions about the requirement for reform within Nigeria’s transport union structure and the relationship in between labour unions and political power.
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As the nation continues to grapple with issues of democratic combination and ethnic harmony, the role of influential union leaders like MC Oluomo will likely remain a topic of extreme dispute and analysis.

This development acts as a defining moment for reflection on the state of Nigeria’s democratic institutions and the influence of non-state stars in the nation’s political procedures.

As MC Oluomo starts his tenure as National President, his actions will be carefully enjoyed by supporters and critics alike, with substantial implications for the transportation sector and Nigeria’s broader political landscape.