1 MC Oluomo emerges NURTW President - Peoples Gazette Nigeria

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MC Oluomo's Controversial Rise: From Transport Union Leader to National NURTW President
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In a development that has triggered both celebration and concern across Nigeria's transportation sector, Musiliu Akinsanya, commonly known as MC Oluomo, has emerged as 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 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 profession trajectory while raising major concerns about the intersection of transport 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 candidate.
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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.
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The election also led to the appointment of Tajudeen Agbede as Vice President of South-West and Akeem Adeosun as trustee from the zone.

In his approval speech, MC Oluomo called for unity within the union, specifying, "I have forgiven everyone who upset me, and I wish those I upset would forgive me also. This is our union, and we need to be committed to its preservation. We will not permit anyone to ruin our means of income."
A Controversial Past
However, MC Oluomo's ascension to the national presidency features significant baggage and debate.
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Claims of violence, political intimidation, and the weaponization of transportation union structures for political purposes marked his period as the chairman of the Lagos State chapter of NURTW.

Most significantly, during the 2023 general elections, MC Oluomo acquired national attention for his controversial role in election-related violence and voter intimidation.

He was recorded on video making threats against Igbo citizens in Lagos State, alerting them to either choose the judgment All Progressives Congress (APC) or stay at home. While he later declared the statement was a joke made to a pal nicknamed "Iya Chukwudi," the event resulted in widespread condemnation and requires his arrest.

The aftermath of his risks materialized in election day violence, where political thugs apparently conducted civil-war-era-style "eye tests" to determine Igbo citizens, avoiding many from exercising their democratic rights. These actions led to the production of a petition requiring international 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 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 cited his doubtful management design and declared use of union resources for personal gain as significant concerns.

The group mentioned, "MC Oluomo's leadership design is unacceptable. He used union resources for individual gain, ignoring members' welfare." They also raised issues about his ability to effectively lead the nationwide body, indicating his history of conflicts with previous leaders and his controversial management style.
The NURTW's Evolution
The NURTW, formed in 1978 as a follower to the Nigerian Road Transport Union, has actually evolved from an easy 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, often working as an essential grassroots mobilization tool for political leaders.
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The union's structure, which extends from significant cities to remote areas, has actually made it an attractive partner for political stars seeking to develop control over local neighborhoods. This has actually caused transforming what was originally a transportation workers' union into what some critics refer to as an advanced network for political mobilization and, sometimes, intimidation.
bet9ja.com Political Influence and Violence
MC Oluomo's increase exhibits 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 involvement in the 2018 Osun State governorship election and subsequent political contests.

His methods of operation have frequently been slammed for blurring the lines between genuine union activities and political thuggery. During the 2023 elections, his organization was implicated of disrupting polling units and intimidating voters, particularly those viewed to be opposition fans.
Legal Challenges and Institutional Response
The controversial nature of MC Oluomo's management has led to different legal challenges. Noteworthy amongst these was a court order throughout the 2023 elections that prevented INEC from engaging his services to distribute election products in Lagos State, highlighting issues about the politicization of important electoral procedures.
Future Implications
As MC Oluomo presumes the national leadership of the NURTW, concerns remain about the union's future direction and function in Nigeria's political landscape.

While his supporters commemorate his capability to preserve order and structure within the transport sector, critics stress over the prospective nationwide expansion of what they see as a harmful combination of transportation union power and political influence.

The consultation likewise raises wider concerns 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 grapple with issues of democratic debt consolidation and ethnic harmony, the function of influential union leaders like MC Oluomo will likely stay a topic of extreme debate and scrutiny.
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This advancement serves 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 procedures.

As MC Oluomo starts his tenure as National President, his actions will be closely watched by fans and critics alike, with considerable implications for the transport sector and Nigeria's broader political landscape.
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