mc-oluomo-emerges-nurtw-president---nairaland-forum

MC Oluomo's Controversial Rise: From Transport Union Leader to National NURTW President

In an advancement that has sparked both event and concern across Nigeria's transport sector, Musiliu Ayinde Akinsanya Akinsanya, popularly called MC Oluomo, has actually become the National President of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) following an agreement election by union stakeholders and delegates.
bet9ja.com
The election, which took place at the Union's Zonal Secretariat along the Osogbo/Ikirun road in Osun State, marks a considerable milestone in the controversial figure's career trajectory while raising major concerns about the intersection of transport unions and political power in Nigeria.
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 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 resulted in the visit of Tajudeen Agbede as Vice President of South-West and Akeem Adeosun as trustee from the zone.
bit.ly
In his approval speech, MC Oluomo required unity within the union, mentioning, "I have actually forgiven everybody who angered me, and I wish those I angered would forgive me too. This is our union, and we need to be devoted to its conservation. We will not allow anyone to ruin our methods of income."
A Controversial Past
However, MC Oluomo's ascension to the nationwide presidency includes considerable baggage and debate.
bet9ja.com
Allegations 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 significantly, throughout the 2023 general elections, MC Oluomo gained nationwide attention for his questionable role in election-related violence and voter intimidation.

He was caught on video making threats versus Igbo citizens in Lagos State, warning them to either vote for the judgment All Progressives Congress (APC) or remain at home. While he later declared the declaration was a joke made to a friend nicknamed "Iya Chukwudi," the incident resulted in extensive condemnation and calls for his arrest.

The consequences of his risks materialized in election day violence, where political goons presumably conducted civil-war-era-style "eye tests" to recognize Igbo citizens, avoiding numerous from exercising their democratic rights. These actions led to the production of a petition calling for global travel restrictions against him, citing his role in inciting ethnic violence.
bet9ja.com 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 cited his doubtful leadership design and declared use of union resources for personal gain as significant concerns.
bit.ly
The group mentioned, "MC Oluomo's leadership style is undesirable. He used union resources for individual gain, overlooking members' well-being." They also raised issues about his capability to successfully 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 a basic trade union into a powerful political force. With nearly 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 appealing partner for political stars seeking to establish control over regional communities. This has caused changing what was originally a transport workers' 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 transportation 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, including significant involvement in the 2018 Osun State governorship election and subsequent political contests.
bit.ly
His methods of operation have actually frequently been criticized for blurring the lines in between legitimate union activities and political thuggery. Throughout the 2023 elections, his company was implicated of disrupting polling units and frightening citizens, particularly those perceived to be opposition supporters.
bit.ly Legal Challenges and Institutional Response
The controversial nature of MC Oluomo's leadership has actually resulted in various legal difficulties. Significant amongst these was a court order throughout the 2023 elections that prevented INEC from engaging his services to distribute election products in Lagos State, highlighting issues about the politicization of vital electoral procedures.
Future Implications
As MC Oluomo presumes the national leadership of the NURTW, concerns stay about the union's future direction and role in Nigeria's political landscape.

While his advocates commemorate his ability to maintain order and structure within the transport sector, critics stress over the prospective across the country growth of what they view as a harmful blend of transportation union power and political influence.

The appointment also raises wider concerns about the need for reform within Nigeria's transportation union structure and the relationship in between labour unions and political power.

As the country continues to face problems of democratic consolidation and ethnic harmony, the role of prominent union leaders like MC Oluomo will likely stay a topic of intense dispute and examination.
bit.ly
This advancement works 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 tenure as National President, his actions will be closely viewed by advocates and critics alike, with considerable ramifications for the transport sector and Nigeria's wider political landscape.