mc-oluomo-emerges-nurtw-national-president---tribune-online

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

In a development that has sparked both event and concern across Nigeria's transportation sector, Musiliu Ayinde Akinsanya Akinsanya, popularly referred to as 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.

The election, which happened at the Union's Zonal Secretariat along the Osogbo/Ikirun roadway in Osun State, marks a considerable turning point in the controversial figure's profession trajectory while raising major questions about the crossway of transport unions and political power in Nigeria.
bet9ja.com 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 prospect.

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.

The election likewise led to the visit of Tajudeen Agbede as Vice President of South-West and Akeem Adeosun as trustee from the zone.
bit.ly
In his acceptance speech, MC Oluomo required unity within the union, stating, "I have forgiven everybody who offended me, and I want those I upset would forgive me also. This is our union, and we need to be dedicated to its conservation. We will not enable anybody to destroy our ways of livelihood."
A Controversial Past
However, MC Oluomo's ascension to the national presidency features considerable luggage and controversy.
bet9ja.com
Allegations of violence, political intimidation, and the weaponization of transportation union structures for political functions marked his tenure 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 function in election-related violence and voter intimidation.

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

The consequences of his dangers emerged in election day violence, where political criminals supposedly carried out civil-war-era-style "eye tests" to identify Igbo voters, preventing lots of from exercising their democratic rights. These actions caused the production of a petition calling for international travel bans against him, citing his function in prompting ethnic violence.
bet9ja.com Opposition and Concerns
The Concerned Transporters in South West of Nigeria, a group of transportation workers, has actually emphatically opposed MC Oluomo's rise to power. In a communique signed by Comrade Taiwo Ariyo and Alhaji Ahmed Ibrahim, the group cited his doubtful management style and alleged use of union resources for individual gain as significant issues.
bet9ja.com
The group specified, "MC Oluomo's management style is inappropriate. He utilized union resources for personal gain, neglecting members' welfare." They likewise raised concerns about his capability to efficiently lead the national body, indicating his history of conflicts with previous leaders and his questionable management design.
bet9ja.com The NURTW's Evolution
The NURTW, formed in 1978 as a follower to the Nigerian Road Transport Union, has evolved from a simple trade union into a powerful political force. With nearly 2 million members, the union has ended up being deeply embedded in Nigeria's political landscape, frequently acting as a vital grassroots mobilization tool for political leaders.

The union's structure, which extends from major cities to remote locations, has made it an attractive partner for political actors looking for to establish control over local neighborhoods. This has actually led to changing what was initially a transportation employees' union into what some critics describe as an advanced network for political mobilization and, often, intimidation.
bit.ly Political Influence and Violence
MC Oluomo's increase exemplifies the complex relationship between transport unions and political power in Nigeria. As documented in numerous reports, he has actually been instrumental in the Southwest's political campaigns and mobilization efforts, including noteworthy involvement in the 2018 Osun State governorship election and subsequent political contests.

His methods of operation have actually typically been criticized for blurring the lines in between genuine union activities and political thuggery. Throughout the 2023 elections, his company was implicated of interfering with polling systems and frightening citizens, especially those perceived to be opposition supporters.
Legal Challenges and Institutional Response
The questionable nature of MC Oluomo's management has led to various legal difficulties. Significant amongst these was a court order during the 2023 elections that avoided INEC from engaging his services to distribute election products in Lagos State, highlighting concerns about the politicization of vital electoral procedures.
Future Implications
As MC Oluomo assumes the national management of the NURTW, questions remain about the union's future direction and function in Nigeria's political landscape.

While his fans celebrate his ability to keep order and structure within the transport sector, critics stress over the potential across the country growth of what they view as an unsafe blend of transportation union power and political impact.

The visit likewise raises more comprehensive 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 debt consolidation and ethnic consistency, the function of influential union leaders like MC Oluomo will likely remain a topic of extreme dispute and examination.

This advancement functions as a defining moment for reflection on the state of Nigeria's democratic institutions 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 carefully enjoyed by supporters and critics alike, with considerable implications for the transportation sector and Nigeria's more comprehensive political landscape.