MC Oluomo emerges NURTW national president - Businessday NG
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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 actually stimulated both event and issue throughout Nigeria's transportation sector, Musiliu Ayinde Akinsanya Akinsanya, popularly referred to 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.
The election, which took place at the Union's Zonal Secretariat along the Osogbo/Ikirun road in Osun State, marks a considerable milestone in the controversial figure's career trajectory while raising major questions about the intersection of transport unions and political power in Nigeria.
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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 prospect.
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 likewise resulted in the consultation of Tajudeen Agbede as Vice President of South-West and Akeem Adeosun as trustee from the zone.
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In his approval speech, MC Oluomo called for unity within the union, stating, "I have actually forgiven everyone who offended me, and I want those I offended would forgive me also. This is our union, and we should be committed to its preservation. We will not enable anybody to damage our means of income."
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A Controversial Past
Nevertheless, MC Oluomo's ascension to the national presidency includes significant luggage and debate.
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Allegations 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, during the 2023 general elections, MC Oluomo got nationwide attention for his questionable role in election-related violence and voter intimidation.
He was caught on video making threats versus Igbo citizens in Lagos State, cautioning them to either vote for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) or stay at home. While he later declared the declaration was a joke made to a buddy nicknamed "Iya Chukwudi," the event caused prevalent condemnation and calls for his arrest.
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The after-effects of his threats emerged in election day violence, where political goons presumably conducted civil-war-era-style "eye tests" to identify Igbo citizens, preventing lots of from exercising their democratic rights. These actions led to the production of a petition requiring global travel bans against him, citing his role in prompting ethnic violence.
Opposition and Concerns
The Concerned Transporters in South West of Nigeria, a group of transport employees, 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 doubtful leadership design and alleged use of union resources for personal gain as considerable issues.
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The group mentioned, "MC Oluomo's leadership design is inappropriate. He utilized union resources for personal gain, neglecting members' well-being." They likewise raised concerns about his ability to effectively lead the nationwide body, pointing to his history of conflicts with previous leaders and his controversial management design.
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The NURTW's Evolution
The NURTW, formed in 1978 as a successor to the Nigerian Road Transport Union, has developed from a simple 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, frequently working as a crucial grassroots mobilization tool for politicians.
The union's structure, which extends from significant cities to remote areas, has made it an attractive partner for political stars seeking to develop control over local neighborhoods. 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, in some cases, intimidation.
Political Influence and Violence
MC Oluomo's rise exemplifies the complex relationship in between transportation unions and political power in Nigeria. As recorded in various reports, he has been instrumental in the Southwest's political campaigns and mobilization efforts, consisting of noteworthy participation in the 2018 Osun State governorship election and subsequent political contests.
His methods of operation have frequently been criticized for blurring the lines between genuine union activities and political thuggery. During the 2023 elections, his organization was accused of disrupting polling systems and frightening voters, especially those perceived to be opposition fans.
Legal Challenges and Institutional Response
The controversial nature of MC Oluomo's management has resulted in various legal difficulties. Noteworthy among these was a court order during the 2023 elections that avoided INEC from engaging his services to disperse election materials in Lagos State, highlighting concerns about the politicization of important electoral processes.
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Future Implications
As MC Oluomo presumes the national leadership of the NURTW, questions stay about the union's future instructions and role in Nigeria's political landscape.
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While his advocates celebrate his capability to preserve order and structure within the transport sector, critics worry about the possible across the country expansion of what they view as a dangerous blend of transport union power and political impact.
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The appointment also raises wider questions about the requirement for reform within Nigeria's transportation union structure and the relationship between labour unions and political power.
As the nation continues to come to grips with problems of democratic debt consolidation and ethnic harmony, the role of prominent union leaders like MC Oluomo will likely remain a subject of intense debate and scrutiny.
This advancement serves as a critical moment for reflection on the state of Nigeria's democratic organizations and the influence of non-state stars in the country's political processes.
As MC Oluomo starts his period as National President, his actions will be closely enjoyed by advocates and critics alike, with substantial implications for the transport sector and Nigeria's more comprehensive political landscape.
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