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

In an advancement that has actually triggered both event and issue across Nigeria’s transportation sector, Musiliu Ayinde Akinsanya Akinsanya, popularly called 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 occurred at the Union’s Zonal Secretariat along the Osogbo/Ikirun roadway in Osun State, marks a substantial turning point in the controversial figure’s career trajectory while raising major concerns about the intersection of transportation 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 candidate.
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The procedure 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 also resulted in the visit of Tajudeen Agbede as Vice President of South-West and Akeem Adeosun as trustee from the zone.
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In his acceptance speech, MC Oluomo called for unity within the union, mentioning, “I have forgiven everyone who angered me, and I want those I angered would forgive me too. This is our union, and we should be devoted to its preservation. We will not allow anyone to ruin our methods of income.”
bet9ja.com A Controversial Past
Nevertheless, MC Oluomo’s ascension to the nationwide presidency includes considerable baggage and controversy.

Claims of violence, political intimidation, and the weaponization of transport union structures for political functions marked his tenure as the chairman of the Lagos State chapter of NURTW.

Most notably, throughout the 2023 general elections, MC Oluomo got national attention for his questionable function in election-related violence and citizen intimidation.

He was caught 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 good friend nicknamed “Iya Chukwudi,” the occurrence led to widespread condemnation and requires his arrest.

The aftermath of his hazards materialized in election day violence, where political criminals supposedly performed civil-war-era-style “eye tests” to determine Igbo voters, avoiding lots of from exercising their democratic rights. These actions resulted in the creation of a petition calling for global travel restrictions versus him, mentioning his function in prompting ethnic violence.
Opposition and Concerns
The Concerned Transporters in South West of Nigeria, a group of transport employees, 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 alleged use of union resources for personal gain as significant issues.

The group mentioned, “MC Oluomo’s management style is undesirable. He utilized union resources for individual gain, neglecting members’ welfare.” They likewise raised issues about his ability to successfully lead the nationwide body, indicating his history of conflicts with previous leaders and his questionable management design.
The NURTW’s Evolution
The NURTW, formed in 1978 as a successor to the Nigerian Road Transport Union, has actually progressed from a basic trade union into an effective political force. With almost 2 million members, the union has actually ended up being deeply embedded in Nigeria’s political landscape, typically working as an important grassroots mobilization tool for politicians.
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The union’s structure, which extends from major cities to remote areas, has made it an attractive partner for political stars looking for to develop control over local neighborhoods. This has led to changing what was initially a transport workers’ union into what some critics describe as a sophisticated network for political mobilization and, sometimes, intimidation.
Political Influence and Violence
MC Oluomo’s increase exemplifies the complex relationship 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 noteworthy participation in the 2018 Osun State governorship election and subsequent political contests.

His methods of operation have typically been criticized for blurring the lines between legitimate union activities and political thuggery. Throughout the 2023 elections, his company was implicated of disrupting ballot units and frightening citizens, especially those perceived to be opposition advocates.
bet9ja.com Legal Challenges and Institutional Response
The controversial nature of MC Oluomo’s management has actually caused different legal obstacles. Significant among these was a court order throughout the 2023 elections that prevented INEC from engaging his services to disperse election products in Lagos State, highlighting concerns about the politicization of necessary electoral procedures.
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 capability to maintain order and structure within the transport sector, critics stress over the potential nationwide growth of what they see as a dangerous combination of transportation union power and political influence.

The visit also 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 nation continues to grapple with concerns of democratic combination and ethnic consistency, the role of prominent union leaders like MC Oluomo will likely stay a subject of extreme debate and scrutiny.

This advancement functions as a defining moment for reflection on the state of Nigeria’s democratic organizations and the impact of non-state stars in the country’s political processes.

As MC Oluomo begins his tenure as National President, his actions will be closely viewed by advocates and critics alike, with considerable implications for the transportation sector and Nigeria’s more comprehensive political landscape.
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