MC Oluomo elected NURTW national president - Blueprint Newspapers Limited
deanamoyes946 edited this page 1 week ago

bet9ja.com
MC Oluomo's Controversial Rise: From Transport Union Leader to National NURTW President

In a development that has actually sparked both celebration and concern throughout Nigeria's transport sector, Musiliu Akinsanya, widely called MC Oluomo, has emerged as 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 roadway in Osun State, marks a substantial milestone in the controversial figure's career trajectory while raising serious questions about the crossway of transportation unions and political power in Nigeria.
The Rise to Power
Delegates from 4 South-West states-- Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, and Ekiti-- took part in the election, which saw MC Oluomo as the sole prospect.
bet9ja.com
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 consultation of Tajudeen Agbede as Vice President of South-West and Akeem Adeosun as trustee from the zone.

In his acceptance speech, MC Oluomo called for unity within the union, specifying, "I have actually forgiven everyone who angered me, and I wish those I angered would forgive me too. This is our union, and we should be dedicated to its conservation. We will not enable anybody to damage our means of livelihood."
bet9ja.com A Controversial Past
However, MC Oluomo's ascension to the national presidency comes with substantial baggage and debate.
bit.ly
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.
bet9ja.com
Most notably, throughout the 2023 basic elections, MC Oluomo gained nationwide attention for his controversial function in election-related violence and citizen intimidation.

He was recorded on video making threats versus Igbo voters in Lagos State, alerting them to either vote for the judgment All Progressives Congress (APC) or stay at home. While he later on declared the declaration was a joke made to a good friend nicknamed "Iya Chukwudi," the incident resulted in prevalent condemnation and requires his arrest.
bit.ly
The after-effects of his risks emerged in election day violence, where political criminals allegedly performed civil-war-era-style "eye tests" to determine Igbo voters, avoiding numerous from exercising their democratic rights. These actions caused the development of a petition requiring worldwide travel restrictions against him, mentioning his role in inciting ethnic violence.
Opposition and Concerns
The Concerned Transporters in South West of Nigeria, a group of transport workers, has emphatically opposed MC Oluomo's rise to power. In a communique signed by Comrade Taiwo Ariyo and Alhaji Ahmed Ibrahim, the group mentioned his doubtful management style and alleged use of union resources for individual gain as significant concerns.

The group specified, "MC Oluomo's management style is unacceptable. He used union resources for personal gain, neglecting members' well-being." They likewise raised issues about his capability to effectively lead the national body, pointing to his history of conflicts with previous leaders and his controversial management style.
bet9ja.com The NURTW's Evolution
The NURTW, formed in 1978 as a successor to the Nigerian Road Transport Union, has developed 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, often serving as a vital grassroots mobilization tool for political leaders.
bit.ly
The union's structure, which extends from major cities to remote locations, has made it an attractive partner for political stars seeking to develop control over local communities. This has actually caused changing what was initially a transportation workers' union into what some critics refer to as an advanced 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 different reports, he has actually been instrumental in the Southwest's political campaigns and mobilization efforts, consisting of significant participation in the 2018 Osun State governorship election and subsequent political contests.
bit.ly
His methods of operation have actually typically been slammed for blurring the lines in between genuine union activities and political thuggery. During the 2023 elections, his company was accused of interfering with ballot units and frightening citizens, especially those viewed to be opposition fans.
bet9ja.com Legal Challenges and Institutional Response
The controversial nature of MC Oluomo's management has actually caused numerous legal challenges. 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 concerns about the politicization of necessary electoral processes.
Future Implications
As MC Oluomo assumes the nationwide management of the NURTW, questions remain about the union's future instructions and function in Nigeria's political landscape.
bit.ly
While his advocates celebrate his capability to preserve order and structure within the transportation sector, critics fret about the prospective nationwide expansion of what they see as a dangerous combination of transport union power and political impact.

The consultation also raises broader questions about the need for reform within Nigeria's transport union structure and the relationship between labour unions and political power.
bit.ly
As the country continues to grapple with issues of democratic debt consolidation and ethnic consistency, the role of prominent union leaders like MC Oluomo will likely stay a topic of extreme debate and analysis.

This development acts as a critical moment for reflection on the state of Nigeria's democratic organizations and the impact of non-state stars in the nation's political processes.

As MC Oluomo starts his period as National President, his actions will be closely enjoyed by supporters and critics alike, with substantial ramifications for the transportation sector and Nigeria's wider political landscape.