1 MC Oluomo elected NURTW National President - The Cable
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MC Oluomo's Controversial Rise: From Transport Union Leader to National NURTW President

In an advancement that has sparked both celebration and concern throughout Nigeria's transport sector, Musiliu Akinsanya, popularly 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.
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The election, which occurred at the Union's Zonal Secretariat along the Osogbo/Ikirun roadway in Osun State, marks a significant milestone in the questionable figure's career trajectory while raising major concerns about the intersection 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 candidate.
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The process 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 appointment 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, specifying, "I have actually forgiven everybody who angered 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 allow anyone to damage our ways of income."
A Controversial Past
Nevertheless, MC Oluomo's ascension to the nationwide presidency includes significant luggage and debate.

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.
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Most notably, during the 2023 general elections, MC Oluomo acquired national attention for his questionable function in election-related violence and voter intimidation.

He was captured on video making threats versus Igbo voters in Lagos State, alerting them to either choose the judgment All Progressives Congress (APC) or remain at home. While he later on claimed the statement was a joke made to a good friend nicknamed "Iya Chukwudi," the event resulted in prevalent condemnation and requires his arrest.

The consequences of his dangers emerged in election day violence, where political hooligans apparently conducted civil-war-era-style "eye tests" to recognize Igbo voters, avoiding lots of from exercising their democratic rights. These actions led to the creation of a petition requiring global travel restrictions versus him, citing his function in prompting ethnic violence.
bit.ly Opposition and Concerns
The Concerned Transporters in South West of Nigeria, a group of transport 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 questionable leadership style and alleged use of union resources for individual gain as considerable concerns.
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The group mentioned, "MC Oluomo's management style is unacceptable. He utilized union resources for individual gain, disregarding members' welfare." They also raised issues about his capability to effectively lead the nationwide body, pointing to 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 an easy trade union into a powerful political force. With almost 2 million members, the union has become deeply embedded in Nigeria's political landscape, frequently functioning as an essential grassroots mobilization tool for political leaders.
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The union's structure, which extends from major cities to remote locations, has actually made it an appealing partner for political actors looking for to establish control over local communities. This has actually led to transforming what was initially a transportation workers' union into what some critics describe as an advanced network for political mobilization and, often, intimidation.
bet9ja.com Political Influence and Violence
MC Oluomo's rise exemplifies the complex relationship in between transportation unions and political power in Nigeria. As documented in various reports, he has been instrumental in the Southwest's political campaigns and mobilization efforts, consisting of noteworthy involvement in the 2018 Osun State governorship election and subsequent political contests.

His methods of operation have typically been slammed for blurring the lines between legitimate union activities and political thuggery. Throughout the 2023 elections, his company was accused of interfering with ballot units and intimidating citizens, especially those viewed to be opposition supporters.
bet9ja.com Legal Challenges and Institutional Response
The questionable nature of MC Oluomo's management has resulted in different legal obstacles. Notable amongst 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 essential electoral procedures.
bet9ja.com Future Implications
As MC Oluomo assumes the nationwide management of the NURTW, concerns remain about the union's future direction and function in Nigeria's political landscape.
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While his advocates celebrate his ability to keep order and structure within the transportation sector, critics stress over the prospective nationwide expansion of what they see as a harmful combination of transport union power and political impact.

The visit likewise raises wider questions 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 come to grips with concerns of democratic consolidation and ethnic harmony, the function of influential union leaders like MC Oluomo will likely remain a topic of intense debate and analysis.
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This advancement functions as a critical moment for reflection on the state of Nigeria's democratic institutions and the influence of non-state stars in the country's political processes.

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