mc-oluomo-emerges-nurtw-national-president---leadership-newspaper

bit.ly
MC Oluomo's Controversial Rise: From Transport Union Leader to National NURTW President
bit.ly
In an advancement that has sparked both celebration and issue across Nigeria's transport sector, Musiliu Akinsanya, widely called 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.
bet9ja.com
The election, which happened at the Union's Zonal Secretariat along the Osogbo/Ikirun road in Osun State, marks a substantial turning point in the controversial figure's career trajectory while raising severe questions about the crossway of transportation 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 process 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 also led to 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 wish those I upset would forgive me as well. This is our union, and we should be devoted to its preservation. We will not permit anyone to ruin our means of income."
A Controversial Past
However, MC Oluomo's ascension to the nationwide presidency features significant baggage and debate.
bit.ly
Claims of violence, political intimidation, and the weaponization of transportation union structures for political functions marked his period as the chairman of the Lagos State chapter of NURTW.

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

He was captured on video making threats versus Igbo voters in Lagos State, alerting them to either vote for the judgment All Progressives Congress (APC) or stay at home. While he later on declared the declaration was a joke made to a buddy nicknamed "Iya Chukwudi," the occurrence caused widespread condemnation and calls for his arrest.
bet9ja.com
The aftermath of his dangers emerged in election day violence, where political thugs apparently conducted civil-war-era-style "eye tests" to recognize Igbo voters, avoiding numerous from exercising their democratic rights. These actions led to the production of a petition calling for international travel bans versus him, citing his role in inciting ethnic violence.
bit.ly Opposition and Concerns
The Concerned Transporters in South West of Nigeria, a group of transportation employees, has actually vehemently opposed MC Oluomo's rise to power. In a communique signed by Comrade Taiwo Ariyo and Alhaji Ahmed Ibrahim, the group mentioned his questionable management style and alleged use of union resources for personal gain as considerable concerns.

The group specified, "MC Oluomo's management style is inappropriate. He used union resources for personal gain, ignoring members' well-being." They likewise raised concerns about his ability to effectively lead the nationwide body, indicating his history of conflicts with previous leaders and his controversial management style.
bet9ja.com 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 a powerful political force. With nearly 2 million members, the union has become deeply embedded in Nigeria's political landscape, typically functioning as an essential 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 stars seeking to establish control over local communities. This has actually caused changing what was originally a transportation workers' union into what some critics refer to as an advanced network for political mobilization and, in some cases, intimidation.
bet9ja.com 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 contributed in the Southwest's political campaigns and mobilization efforts, including significant participation in the 2018 Osun State governorship election and subsequent political contests.
bet9ja.com
His methods of operation have actually often been slammed for blurring the lines in between legitimate union activities and political thuggery. Throughout the 2023 elections, his organization was accused of interrupting polling systems and daunting citizens, particularly those perceived to be opposition advocates.
Legal Challenges and Institutional Response
The questionable nature of MC Oluomo's leadership has caused various legal obstacles. Significant among these was a court order throughout the 2023 elections that prevented INEC from engaging his services to disperse election products in Lagos State, highlighting concerns about the politicization of essential electoral processes.
Future Implications
As MC Oluomo presumes the national management of the NURTW, concerns stay about the union's future direction and role in Nigeria's political landscape.

While his fans commemorate his capability to keep order and structure within the transport sector, critics stress over the potential nationwide growth of what they see as an unsafe combination of transport union power and political impact.
bet9ja.com
The consultation also raises broader questions about the requirement for reform within Nigeria's transport union structure and the relationship between labour unions and political power.
bet9ja.com
As the nation continues to grapple with problems of democratic combination and ethnic consistency, the role of prominent union leaders like MC Oluomo will likely remain a topic of extreme debate and examination.
bit.ly
This advancement works 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 processes.

As MC Oluomo starts his tenure as National President, his actions will be carefully viewed by supporters and critics alike, with considerable ramifications for the transport sector and Nigeria's more comprehensive political landscape.
bet9ja.com