mc-oluomo-elected-nurtw-national-president---the-cable

MC Oluomo's Controversial Rise: From Transport Union Leader to National NURTW President
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In an advancement that has sparked both celebration and concern throughout Nigeria's transport sector, Musiliu Akinsanya, commonly called MC Oluomo, has actually become 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 happened at the Union's Zonal Secretariat along the Osogbo/Ikirun road in Osun State, marks a substantial milestone in the controversial figure's profession trajectory while raising severe 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-- participated in the election, which saw MC Oluomo as the sole prospect.
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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 acceptance speech, MC Oluomo called for unity within the union, stating, "I have actually forgiven everyone who offended me, and I wish those I offended would forgive me too. This is our union, and we must be dedicated to its conservation. We will not allow anyone to destroy our methods of income."
A Controversial Past
Nevertheless, MC Oluomo's ascension to the national presidency features substantial baggage and controversy.

Accusations of violence, political intimidation, and the weaponization of transportation union structures for political purposes marked his tenure as the chairman of the Lagos State chapter of NURTW.
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Most especially, during the 2023 basic elections, MC Oluomo acquired national attention for his questionable role in election-related violence and voter intimidation.

He was captured on video making threats against Igbo voters in Lagos State, alerting them to either elect the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) or remain at home. While he later on declared the statement was a joke made to a friend nicknamed "Iya Chukwudi," the incident led to widespread condemnation and requires his arrest.
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The consequences of his threats emerged in election day violence, where political thugs allegedly conducted civil-war-era-style "eye tests" to identify Igbo citizens, avoiding numerous from exercising their democratic rights. These actions caused the development of a petition calling for global travel restrictions against 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 workers, 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 leadership style and alleged use of union resources for personal gain as considerable concerns.

The group mentioned, "MC Oluomo's management design is unacceptable. He used union resources for individual gain, neglecting members' well-being." They also raised concerns about his ability to efficiently lead the national body, pointing to his history of conflicts with previous leaders and his controversial management design.
The NURTW's Evolution
The NURTW, formed in 1978 as a follower to the Nigerian Road Transport Union, has developed from a basic trade union into a powerful political force. With almost 2 million members, the union has actually ended up being deeply embedded in Nigeria's political landscape, frequently working as a crucial grassroots mobilization tool for politicians.
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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 regional neighborhoods. This has led to changing what was originally a transportation 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 exhibits the complex relationship 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, consisting of notable involvement in the 2018 Osun State governorship election and subsequent political contests.
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His methods of operation have typically been criticized for blurring the lines in between legitimate union activities and political thuggery. During the 2023 elections, his organization was accused of disrupting polling units and daunting voters, particularly those perceived to be opposition advocates.
Legal Challenges and Institutional Response
The questionable nature of MC Oluomo's leadership has actually resulted in numerous legal challenges. Significant amongst these was a court order throughout the 2023 elections that prevented INEC from engaging his services to distribute election materials in Lagos State, highlighting concerns about the politicization of necessary electoral processes.
Future Implications
As MC Oluomo presumes the nationwide leadership of the NURTW, questions remain about the union's future instructions and role in Nigeria's political landscape.

While his supporters commemorate his ability to keep order and structure within the transport sector, critics worry about the potential nationwide expansion of what they see as a hazardous blend of transport union power and political influence.
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The visit also raises wider 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 face concerns of democratic combination and ethnic harmony, the role of influential union leaders like MC Oluomo will likely remain a subject of intense dispute and analysis.
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This advancement functions as a critical moment for reflection on the state of Nigeria's democratic organizations and the impact of non-state actors in the country's political procedures.

As MC Oluomo begins his period as National President, his actions will be closely watched by advocates and critics alike, with substantial implications for the transportation sector and Nigeria's wider political landscape.