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
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In a development that has triggered both event and issue across Nigeria's transport sector, Musiliu Akinsanya, commonly called MC Oluomo, has become 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 roadway in Osun State, marks a substantial turning point in the controversial figure's profession trajectory while raising severe questions about the intersection of transport unions and political power in Nigeria.
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The Rise to Power
Delegates from four 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 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 resulted in the appointment of Tajudeen Agbede as Vice President of South-West and Akeem Adeosun as trustee from the zone.
In his approval speech, MC Oluomo called for unity within the union, specifying, "I have forgiven everybody who upset me, and I wish those I offended would forgive me as well. This is our union, and we must be dedicated to its conservation. We will not enable anyone to destroy our methods of income."
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A Controversial Past
However, MC Oluomo's ascension to the nationwide presidency includes significant luggage and controversy.
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Accusations 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, throughout the 2023 basic elections, MC Oluomo got nationwide 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 choose the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) or remain at home. While he later on claimed the declaration was a joke made to a friend nicknamed "Iya Chukwudi," the incident led to prevalent condemnation and requires his arrest.
The aftermath of his risks emerged in election day violence, where political thugs apparently conducted civil-war-era-style "eye tests" to recognize Igbo voters, preventing many from exercising their democratic rights. These actions resulted in the creation of a petition calling for international travel bans against him, citing his function in prompting ethnic violence.
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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 management style and alleged use of union resources for individual gain as substantial concerns.
The group stated, "MC Oluomo's leadership design is inappropriate. He used union resources for individual gain, overlooking members' welfare." They also raised concerns about his ability to efficiently lead the national body, indicating his history of conflicts with previous leaders and his questionable management style.
The NURTW's Evolution
The NURTW, formed in 1978 as a successor to the Nigerian Road Transport Union, has actually evolved from an easy trade union into a powerful political force. With nearly 2 million members, the union has become deeply embedded in Nigeria's political landscape, often working as a crucial grassroots mobilization tool for politicians.
The union's structure, which extends from significant cities to remote areas, has made it an appealing partner for political stars seeking to develop control over regional neighborhoods. This has actually resulted in changing what was initially a transport employees' union into what some critics describe as a sophisticated network for political mobilization and, often, intimidation.
Political Influence and Violence
MC Oluomo's increase exemplifies the complex relationship in between transport unions and political power in Nigeria. As documented in various reports, he has contributed in the Southwest's political campaigns and mobilization efforts, consisting of noteworthy participation in the 2018 Osun State governorship election and subsequent political contests.
His methods of operation have actually often been criticized for blurring the lines in between genuine union activities and political thuggery. Throughout the 2023 elections, his organization was implicated of disrupting ballot systems and intimidating citizens, especially those viewed to be opposition advocates.
Legal Challenges and Institutional Response
The questionable nature of MC Oluomo's leadership has actually caused different legal obstacles. Notable among these was a court order during the 2023 elections that prevented INEC from engaging his services to disperse election products in Lagos State, highlighting issues about the politicization of necessary 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 ability to maintain order and structure within the transport sector, critics fret about the potential nationwide growth of what they view as an unsafe fusion of transport union power and political impact.
The visit likewise raises wider concerns about the need for reform within Nigeria's transport union structure and the relationship between labour unions and political power.
As the country continues to grapple with problems of democratic combination and ethnic harmony, the function of prominent union leaders like MC Oluomo will likely stay a subject of extreme debate and analysis.
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This advancement works as a defining moment for reflection on the state of Nigeria's democratic institutions and the influence of non-state stars in the country's political processes.
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 transport sector and Nigeria's more comprehensive political landscape.
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