1 Oluomo emerges NURTW national president - Nairaland Forum
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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 stimulated both celebration and issue throughout Nigeria's transport sector, Musiliu Ayinde Akinsanya Akinsanya, commonly 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.
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The election, which happened at the Union's Zonal Secretariat along the Osogbo/Ikirun roadway in Osun State, marks a substantial turning point in the controversial figure's profession trajectory while raising serious questions about the crossway of transport unions and political power in Nigeria.
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 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 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, stating, "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 should be committed to its conservation. We will not permit anyone to destroy our means of livelihood."
A Controversial Past
Nevertheless, MC Oluomo's ascension to the nationwide presidency features substantial luggage and controversy.
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Claims of violence, political intimidation, and the weaponization of transport union structures for political purposes marked his period as the chairman of the Lagos State chapter of NURTW.

Most especially, throughout the 2023 basic elections, MC Oluomo acquired nationwide attention for his controversial role in election-related violence and voter intimidation.

He was captured on video making threats against Igbo voters in Lagos State, cautioning them to either vote for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) or remain at home. While he later declared the declaration was a joke made to a pal nicknamed "Iya Chukwudi," the incident resulted in widespread condemnation and requires his arrest.

The consequences of his risks emerged in election day violence, where political hooligans allegedly carried out civil-war-era-style "eye tests" to recognize Igbo citizens, preventing numerous from exercising their democratic rights. These actions resulted in the creation of a petition requiring worldwide travel bans versus him, citing his function in inciting ethnic violence.
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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 questionable management design and alleged use of union resources for personal gain as significant issues.

The group stated, "MC Oluomo's management design is inappropriate. He used union resources for individual gain, overlooking members' welfare." They also raised issues about his capability to successfully lead the nationwide body, indicating his history of conflicts with previous leaders and his controversial management design.
The NURTW's Evolution
The NURTW, formed in 1978 as a follower to the Nigerian Road Transport Union, has actually progressed from an easy trade union into an effective political force. With almost 2 million members, the union has ended up being deeply embedded in Nigeria's political landscape, often working as an important grassroots mobilization tool for politicians.

The union's structure, which extends from significant cities to remote areas, has actually made it an attractive partner for political stars looking for to establish control over local communities. This has resulted in transforming what was initially a transportation workers' union into what some critics describe as an advanced network for political mobilization and, in some cases, intimidation.
Political Influence and Violence
MC Oluomo's rise exemplifies the complex relationship between transport unions and political power in Nigeria. As recorded in numerous reports, he has contributed 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 frequently been criticized for blurring the lines in between genuine union activities and political thuggery. During the 2023 elections, his organization was accused of interrupting polling systems and daunting citizens, especially those viewed to be opposition advocates.
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The questionable nature of MC Oluomo's leadership has caused different legal obstacles. Noteworthy among these was a court order during the 2023 elections that avoided INEC from engaging his services to distribute election materials in Lagos State, highlighting issues about the politicization of important electoral procedures.
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.

While his advocates celebrate his capability to maintain order and structure within the transportation sector, critics stress over the potential nationwide expansion of what they view as a harmful blend of transportation union power and political impact.
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The consultation also raises more comprehensive concerns about the requirement for reform within Nigeria's transport union structure and the relationship in between labour unions and political power.

As the nation continues to come to grips with issues of democratic debt consolidation and ethnic consistency, the role of prominent union leaders like MC Oluomo will likely remain a subject of intense dispute and scrutiny.

This advancement serves as a defining moment for reflection on the state of Nigeria's democratic institutions and the influence of non-state actors in the country's political procedures.

As MC Oluomo starts his tenure as National President, his actions will be closely viewed by supporters and critics alike, with considerable ramifications for the transportation sector and Nigeria's broader political landscape.
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