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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 actually triggered both celebration and concern across Nigeria's transport sector, Musiliu Akinsanya, widely known as 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.

The election, which occurred at the Union's Zonal Secretariat along the Osogbo/Ikirun roadway in Osun State, marks a substantial milestone in the questionable figure's profession trajectory while raising major questions 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 candidate.

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

In his approval speech, MC Oluomo required unity within the union, stating, "I have forgiven everyone who offended me, and I wish those I angered 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 ways of income."
A Controversial Past
However, MC Oluomo's ascension to the national presidency comes with significant luggage and debate.
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Accusations 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 especially, throughout the 2023 basic elections, MC Oluomo got nationwide attention for his questionable function in election-related violence and citizen intimidation.

He was recorded on video making threats against Igbo citizens in Lagos State, cautioning them to either vote for the judgment All Progressives Congress (APC) or remain at home. While he later claimed the declaration was a joke made to a buddy nicknamed "Iya Chukwudi," the occurrence caused extensive condemnation and calls for his arrest.
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The consequences of his risks emerged in election day violence, where political criminals allegedly performed civil-war-era-style "eye tests" to identify Igbo citizens, avoiding numerous from exercising their democratic rights. These actions led to the creation of a petition requiring global travel bans against him, citing his role in prompting ethnic violence.
bet9ja.com Opposition and Concerns
The Concerned Transporters in South West of Nigeria, a group of transport 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 doubtful leadership design and declared use of union resources for individual gain as significant concerns.

The group stated, "MC Oluomo's leadership style is unacceptable. He utilized union resources for individual gain, ignoring members' well-being." They likewise raised issues about his ability to efficiently lead the nationwide body, indicating his history of conflicts with previous leaders and his questionable management style.
bet9ja.com The NURTW's Evolution
The NURTW, formed in 1978 as a follower to the Nigerian Road Transport Union, has evolved 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, often functioning as an important grassroots mobilization tool for politicians.
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The union's structure, which extends from major cities to remote locations, has actually made it an appealing partner for political stars looking for to establish control over local communities. This has actually resulted in changing what was initially a transportation workers' 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 transportation unions and political power in Nigeria. As documented in different reports, he has been instrumental in the Southwest's political campaigns and mobilization efforts, consisting of significant participation in the 2018 Osun State governorship election and subsequent political contests.

His methods of operation have typically been slammed for blurring the lines in between legitimate union activities and political thuggery. During the 2023 elections, his company was implicated of disrupting ballot systems and intimidating citizens, especially those perceived to be opposition advocates.
bet9ja.com Legal Challenges and Institutional Response
The controversial nature of MC Oluomo's management has caused various legal obstacles. Significant among these was a court order during the 2023 elections that prevented INEC from engaging his services to disperse election materials in Lagos State, highlighting concerns about the politicization of important electoral procedures.
bet9ja.com Future Implications
As MC Oluomo presumes the national leadership of the NURTW, questions stay about the union's future direction and role in Nigeria's political landscape.

While his supporters commemorate his capability to keep order and structure within the transport sector, critics stress over the possible nationwide growth of what they view as a harmful blend of transport union power and political impact.

The visit likewise raises broader concerns about the requirement for reform within Nigeria's transport union structure and the relationship between labour unions and political power.

As the country continues to come to grips with issues of democratic combination and ethnic harmony, the role of prominent union leaders like MC Oluomo will likely stay a topic of intense argument and scrutiny.

This development works as a defining moment for reflection on the state of Nigeria's democratic organizations and the influence of non-state actors in the nation's political processes.

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