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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 stimulated both celebration and issue across Nigeria’s transport sector, Musiliu Akinsanya, widely referred to as MC Oluomo, has actually emerged as 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 took place 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 serious questions about the crossway of transport unions and political power in Nigeria.
The Rise to Power
Delegates from 4 South-West states-- Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, and Ekiti-- participated 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.

The election likewise resulted in the consultation of Tajudeen Agbede as Vice President of South-West and Akeem Adeosun as trustee from the zone.

In his acceptance speech, MC Oluomo required unity within the union, specifying, “I have forgiven everyone who angered me, and I want those I angered would forgive me also. This is our union, and we must be committed to its preservation. We will not enable anybody to destroy our means of income.“
A Controversial Past
Nevertheless, MC Oluomo’s ascension to the national presidency comes with substantial baggage and controversy.

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

Most significantly, throughout the 2023 basic elections, MC Oluomo gained national attention for his controversial function in election-related violence and citizen intimidation.

He was recorded on video making threats versus Igbo voters in Lagos State, cautioning them to either elect the judgment All Progressives Congress (APC) or stay at home. While he later on declared the declaration was a joke made to a friend nicknamed “Iya Chukwudi,” the occurrence resulted in prevalent condemnation and requires his arrest.

The consequences of his dangers materialized in election day violence, where political criminals presumably carried out civil-war-era-style “eye tests” to determine Igbo voters, avoiding many from exercising their democratic rights. These actions caused the creation of a petition calling for international travel restrictions against him, citing his role in inciting ethnic violence.
Opposition and Concerns
The Concerned Transporters in South West of Nigeria, a group of transport employees, 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 leadership design and declared use of union resources for individual gain as substantial issues.

The group specified, “MC Oluomo’s management design is inappropriate. He utilized union resources for individual gain, neglecting members’ welfare.” 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 style.
The NURTW’s Evolution
The NURTW, formed in 1978 as a follower to the Nigerian Road Transport Union, has actually evolved from a simple trade union into an effective political force. With almost 2 million members, the union has actually become deeply embedded in Nigeria’s political landscape, often serving as a crucial 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 appealing partner for political actors looking for to establish control over local communities. This has actually led to changing what was originally a transportation employees’ 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 exemplifies the complex relationship in between transport unions and political power in Nigeria. As recorded in numerous reports, he has actually been instrumental in the Southwest’s political campaigns and mobilization efforts, including noteworthy participation in the 2018 Osun State governorship election and subsequent political contests.

His methods of operation have actually frequently been slammed for blurring the lines between legitimate union activities and political thuggery. Throughout the 2023 elections, his organization was accused of interrupting ballot systems and daunting citizens, particularly those viewed to be opposition supporters.
bet9ja.com Legal Challenges and Institutional Response
The controversial nature of MC Oluomo’s leadership has actually led to numerous legal difficulties. Notable amongst these was a court order throughout the 2023 elections that avoided INEC from engaging his services to distribute election products in Lagos State, highlighting concerns about the politicization of necessary electoral procedures.
bit.ly Future Implications
As MC Oluomo presumes the nationwide leadership of the NURTW, questions remain about the union’s future direction and function in Nigeria’s political landscape.

While his advocates commemorate his ability to keep order and structure within the transportation sector, critics fret about the possible nationwide growth of what they see as a harmful combination of transport union power and political influence.
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The appointment likewise raises more comprehensive questions about the requirement for reform within Nigeria’s transport union structure and the relationship between labour unions and political power.

As the nation continues to grapple with concerns of democratic consolidation and ethnic harmony, the function of prominent union leaders like MC Oluomo will likely stay a subject of intense dispute and examination.

This advancement serves as a defining moment for reflection on the state of Nigeria’s democratic organizations and the influence of non-state stars in the country’s political procedures.

As MC Oluomo begins his period as National President, his actions will be carefully enjoyed by advocates and critics alike, with substantial ramifications for the transportation sector and Nigeria’s wider political landscape.