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

In a development that has actually stimulated both event and concern throughout Nigeria's transport sector, Musiliu Akinsanya, widely known 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 took place at the Union's Zonal Secretariat along the Osogbo/Ikirun road in Osun State, marks a considerable turning point in the controversial figure's profession trajectory while raising serious concerns 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.
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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 likewise led to the visit of Tajudeen Agbede as Vice President of South-West and Akeem Adeosun as trustee from the zone.
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In his acceptance speech, MC Oluomo called for unity within the union, mentioning, "I have actually forgiven everyone who angered me, and I wish those I angered would forgive me as well. This is our union, and we need to be devoted to its preservation. We will not enable anyone to ruin our means of livelihood."
bet9ja.com A Controversial Past
However, MC Oluomo's ascension to the nationwide presidency comes with considerable baggage and debate.

Claims 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.
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Most especially, during the 2023 general elections, MC Oluomo acquired nationwide attention for his questionable function in election-related violence and voter intimidation.

He was caught on video making threats against Igbo voters in Lagos State, alerting them to either vote for the judgment All Progressives Congress (APC) or remain at home. While he later on claimed the declaration was a joke made to a good friend nicknamed "Iya Chukwudi," the incident caused prevalent condemnation and calls for his arrest.
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The after-effects of his dangers materialized in election day violence, where political criminals presumably performed civil-war-era-style "eye tests" to recognize Igbo voters, avoiding many from exercising their democratic rights. These actions caused the creation of a petition calling for international travel restrictions against him, mentioning his function in inciting ethnic violence.
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The Concerned Transporters in South West of Nigeria, a group of transport workers, has actually 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 leadership style and declared use of union resources for personal gain as considerable issues.

The group stated, "MC Oluomo's leadership design is unacceptable. He utilized union resources for personal gain, disregarding members' well-being." They likewise raised issues about his capability to successfully lead the nationwide body, indicating his history of conflicts with previous leaders and his questionable management design.
bet9ja.com The NURTW's Evolution
The NURTW, formed in 1978 as a follower to the Nigerian Road Transport Union, has actually developed from a simple trade union into an effective political force. With nearly 2 million members, the union has ended up being deeply embedded in Nigeria's political landscape, frequently serving as a crucial grassroots mobilization tool for politicians.
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The union's structure, which extends from significant cities to remote locations, has actually made it an appealing partner for political stars seeking to develop control over regional neighborhoods. This has resulted in transforming what was originally a transport workers' union into what some critics refer to as an advanced network for political mobilization and, often, intimidation.
bet9ja.com Political Influence and Violence
MC Oluomo's increase exemplifies the complex relationship in between transportation unions and political power in Nigeria. As recorded in various reports, he has actually been instrumental in the Southwest's political campaigns and mobilization efforts, including notable involvement in the 2018 Osun State governorship election and subsequent political contests.

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 organization was implicated of interrupting ballot systems and daunting citizens, particularly those perceived to be opposition advocates.
bet9ja.com Legal Challenges and Institutional Response
The controversial nature of MC Oluomo's leadership has actually led to numerous legal difficulties. Significant amongst these was a court order during the 2023 elections that prevented INEC from engaging his services to disperse election materials in Lagos State, highlighting issues about the politicization of vital electoral processes.
bet9ja.com Future Implications
As MC Oluomo assumes the nationwide leadership of the NURTW, concerns remain about the union's future instructions and function in Nigeria's political landscape.

While his fans commemorate his ability to preserve order and structure within the transport sector, critics worry about the prospective across the country expansion of what they see as a hazardous combination of transportation union power and political influence.
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The appointment likewise raises more comprehensive concerns about the requirement for reform within Nigeria's transportation union structure and the relationship between labour unions and political power.

As the nation continues to grapple with issues of democratic debt consolidation and ethnic consistency, the function of prominent union leaders like MC Oluomo will likely stay a topic of extreme dispute and scrutiny.

This development serves as a critical moment for reflection on the state of Nigeria's democratic institutions and the influence of non-state actors in the country's political processes.

As MC Oluomo begins his tenure as National President, his actions will be carefully enjoyed by supporters and critics alike, with significant implications for the transport sector and Nigeria's more comprehensive political landscape.