MC Oluomo Elected NURTW National President - Daily Trust

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 issue 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 a consensus election by union stakeholders and delegates.


The election, which took place at the Union's Zonal Secretariat along the Osogbo/Ikirun road in Osun State, marks a substantial turning point in the controversial figure's profession trajectory while raising major concerns about the intersection of transportation 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.


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.
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The election also resulted in the appointment of Tajudeen Agbede as Vice President of South-West and Akeem Adeosun as trustee from the zone.
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In his approval speech, MC Oluomo required unity within the union, specifying, "I have actually forgiven everyone who offended me, and I wish those I offended would forgive me as well. This is our union, and we must be devoted to its preservation. We will not permit anyone to ruin our methods of livelihood."
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A Controversial Past

However, MC Oluomo's ascension to the national presidency includes considerable baggage and debate.
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Accusations 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.
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Most especially, throughout the 2023 general elections, MC Oluomo got nationwide attention for his questionable role in election-related violence and voter intimidation.


He was recorded on video making threats against Igbo voters in Lagos State, warning them to either choose the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) or stay at home. While he later on claimed the declaration was a joke made to a buddy nicknamed "Iya Chukwudi," the incident resulted in prevalent condemnation and calls for his arrest.


The aftermath of his dangers emerged in election day violence, where political punks presumably performed civil-war-era-style "eye tests" to identify Igbo voters, avoiding many from exercising their democratic rights. These actions caused the production of a petition calling for worldwide travel restrictions versus him, citing his function in inciting ethnic violence.

Opposition and Concerns

The Concerned Transporters in South West of Nigeria, a group of transportation workers, has vehemently opposed MC Oluomo's rise to power. In a communique signed by Comrade Taiwo Ariyo and Alhaji Ahmed Ibrahim, the group cited his questionable leadership design and declared use of union resources for individual gain as considerable concerns.


The group mentioned, "MC Oluomo's management style is inappropriate. He utilized union resources for individual gain, neglecting members' welfare." They also raised concerns about his ability to effectively lead the national body, pointing to his history of conflicts with previous leaders and his questionable management style.
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The NURTW's Evolution

The NURTW, formed in 1978 as a follower to the Nigerian Road Transport Union, has developed from a simple trade union into an effective political force. With nearly 2 million members, the union has become deeply embedded in Nigeria's political landscape, typically acting as an important grassroots mobilization tool for politicians.


The union's structure, which extends from significant cities to remote areas, has actually made it an attractive partner for political actors seeking to establish control over local communities. This has actually caused changing what was initially a transport workers' union into what some critics refer to as an advanced network for political mobilization and, sometimes, intimidation.
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Political Influence and Violence

MC Oluomo's increase exhibits the complex relationship between transport unions and political power in Nigeria. As recorded in different reports, he has contributed in the Southwest's political campaigns and mobilization efforts, consisting of significant participation in the 2018 Osun State governorship election and subsequent political contests.
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His methods of operation have actually often been slammed for blurring the lines between genuine union activities and political thuggery. During the 2023 elections, his company was implicated of disrupting polling units and frightening voters, particularly those viewed to be opposition fans.
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Legal Challenges and Institutional Response

The questionable nature of MC Oluomo's management has actually led to numerous legal obstacles. Significant 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 important electoral procedures.

Future Implications

As MC Oluomo presumes the nationwide management of the NURTW, questions stay about the union's future direction and function in Nigeria's political landscape.


While his advocates celebrate his ability to preserve order and structure within the transportation sector, critics fret about the prospective nationwide growth of what they view as a hazardous combination of transport union power and political influence.
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The visit likewise raises broader questions about the requirement for reform within Nigeria's transport union structure and the relationship in between labour unions and political power.


As the country continues to come to grips with issues of democratic consolidation and ethnic consistency, the role of influential union leaders like MC Oluomo will likely stay a subject of extreme argument and analysis.


This advancement acts 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 procedures.


As MC Oluomo begins his tenure as National President, his actions will be closely seen by fans and critics alike, with substantial implications for the transport sector and Nigeria's broader political landscape.
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