MC Oluomo elected NURTW national president - Daily Trust
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MC Oluomo's Controversial Rise: From Transport Union Leader to National NURTW President
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In an advancement that has actually sparked both event and concern throughout Nigeria's transportation sector, Musiliu Akinsanya, commonly referred to as 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 roadway in Osun State, marks a significant milestone in the controversial figure's profession trajectory while raising serious concerns 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-- took part 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 appointment of Tajudeen Agbede as Vice President of South-West and Akeem Adeosun as trustee from the zone.
In his acceptance speech, MC Oluomo called for unity within the union, specifying, "I have forgiven everybody who angered me, and I want those I offended would forgive me too. This is our union, and we should be devoted to its conservation. We will not allow anybody to destroy our methods of livelihood."
A Controversial Past
However, MC Oluomo's ascension to the nationwide presidency features substantial baggage and controversy.
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.
Most notably, throughout the 2023 basic elections, MC Oluomo acquired national attention for his controversial function in election-related violence and citizen intimidation.
He was recorded on video making threats against Igbo voters in Lagos State, alerting them to either vote for the judgment All Progressives Congress (APC) or remain at home. While he later claimed the statement was a joke made to a friend nicknamed "Iya Chukwudi," the incident led to widespread condemnation and requires his arrest.
The consequences of his threats emerged in election day violence, where political thugs supposedly carried out 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 requiring global travel bans versus him, mentioning his role in prompting ethnic violence.
Opposition and Concerns
The Concerned Transporters in South West of Nigeria, a group of transportation employees, has actually emphatically 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 alleged use of union resources for individual gain as considerable concerns.
The group specified, "MC Oluomo's management design is inappropriate. He used union resources for personal gain, overlooking members' well-being." They likewise raised issues about his capability to efficiently lead the nationwide body, pointing to his history of conflicts with previous leaders and his controversial management style.
The NURTW's Evolution
The NURTW, formed in 1978 as a successor to the Nigerian Road Transport Union, has evolved from a basic trade union into an effective political force. With almost 2 million members, the union has actually become deeply embedded in Nigeria's political landscape, typically working as an important grassroots mobilization tool for politicians.
The union's structure, which extends from major cities to remote areas, has actually made it an attractive partner for political actors seeking to develop control over local neighborhoods. This has actually caused changing what was originally a transport employees' union into what some critics refer to as a sophisticated network for political mobilization and, sometimes, intimidation.
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Political Influence and Violence
MC Oluomo's rise exhibits the complex relationship in between transportation unions and political power in Nigeria. As recorded in various reports, he has actually contributed 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 slammed for blurring the lines between legitimate union activities and political thuggery. During the 2023 elections, his company was implicated of interfering with ballot systems and daunting voters, especially those viewed to be opposition fans.
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Legal Challenges and Institutional Response
The questionable nature of MC Oluomo's leadership has actually led to various legal obstacles. Notable amongst these was a court order during the 2023 elections that avoided INEC from engaging his services to disperse election materials in Lagos State, highlighting concerns about the politicization of important electoral processes.
Future Implications
As MC Oluomo assumes the nationwide leadership of the NURTW, concerns remain about the union's future instructions and function in Nigeria's political landscape.
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While his supporters commemorate his ability to maintain order and structure within the transport sector, critics stress over the prospective nationwide growth of what they see as a harmful combination of transport union power and political impact.
The visit also raises more comprehensive concerns about the need for reform within Nigeria's transport union structure and the relationship in between labour unions and political power.
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As the country continues to face concerns of democratic consolidation and ethnic consistency, the role of prominent union leaders like MC Oluomo will likely stay a topic of extreme dispute and examination.
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This development functions 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 starts his tenure as National President, his actions will be closely seen by fans and critics alike, with substantial implications for the transportation sector and Nigeria's broader political landscape.
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