MC Oluomo elected as NURTW president - TheCable
MC Oluomo's Controversial Rise: From Transport Union Leader to National NURTW President
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In an advancement that has sparked both event and issue across Nigeria's transport sector, Musiliu Ayinde Akinsanya Akinsanya, commonly referred to as MC Oluomo, has actually emerged as the National President of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) following an agreement election by union stakeholders and delegates.
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The election, which occurred at the Union's Zonal Secretariat along the Osogbo/Ikirun road in Osun State, marks a considerable turning point in the questionable figure's career trajectory while raising severe concerns about the intersection of transportation 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.
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.
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 acceptance speech, MC Oluomo called for unity within the union, specifying, "I have forgiven everybody who offended me, and I want those I upset would forgive me as well. This is our union, and we must be devoted to its preservation. We will not enable anyone to destroy our methods of livelihood."
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A Controversial Past
Nevertheless, MC Oluomo's ascension to the national presidency includes substantial baggage and debate.
Accusations 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.
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Most especially, during the 2023 basic elections, MC Oluomo gained nationwide attention for his questionable role in election-related violence and citizen intimidation.
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He was caught on video making threats versus Igbo citizens in Lagos State, warning them to either choose the judgment All Progressives Congress (APC) or stay at home. While he later on declared the declaration was a joke made to a friend nicknamed "Iya Chukwudi," the incident resulted in widespread condemnation and requires his arrest.
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The consequences of his risks materialized in election day violence, where political goons apparently performed civil-war-era-style "eye tests" to determine Igbo citizens, preventing many from exercising their democratic rights. These actions led to the creation of a petition calling for global travel restrictions against him, citing his role in prompting ethnic violence.
Opposition and Concerns
The Concerned Transporters in South West of Nigeria, a group of transportation 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 design and declared use of union resources for personal gain as considerable concerns.
The group specified, "MC Oluomo's leadership design is unacceptable. He used union resources for personal gain, overlooking 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.
The NURTW's Evolution
The NURTW, formed in 1978 as a successor to the Nigerian Road Transport Union, has actually evolved from a simple trade union into a powerful political force. With nearly 2 million members, the union has become deeply embedded in Nigeria's political landscape, frequently acting as a vital grassroots mobilization tool for politicians.
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The union's structure, which extends from significant cities to remote areas, has actually made it an appealing partner for political actors seeking to develop control over local communities. This has actually led to changing what was initially a transportation employees' union into what some critics refer to as a sophisticated network for political mobilization and, in some cases, intimidation.
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Political Influence and Violence
MC Oluomo's increase exemplifies the complex relationship between transportation unions and political power in Nigeria. As documented in different reports, he has contributed in the Southwest's political campaigns and mobilization efforts, consisting of notable involvement in the 2018 Osun State governorship election and subsequent political contests.
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His methods of operation have actually frequently been criticized for blurring the lines between legitimate union activities and political thuggery. During the 2023 elections, his company was accused of disrupting ballot units and intimidating voters, particularly those viewed to be opposition fans.
Legal Challenges and Institutional Response
The questionable nature of MC Oluomo's leadership has caused various legal obstacles. Notable amongst these was a court order throughout the 2023 elections that avoided 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 assumes the national management of the NURTW, concerns stay about the union's future direction and function in Nigeria's political landscape.
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While his advocates celebrate his capability to maintain order and structure within the transportation sector, critics stress over the potential nationwide growth of what they view as a hazardous fusion of transportation union power and political influence.
The appointment likewise raises more comprehensive concerns about the requirement for reform within Nigeria's transportation union structure and the relationship in between labour unions and political power.
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As the country continues to grapple with problems of democratic combination and ethnic consistency, the role of prominent union leaders like MC Oluomo will likely remain a topic of extreme argument and examination.
This development works as a critical moment for reflection on the state of Nigeria's democratic organizations and the influence of non-state actors in the country's political procedures.
As MC Oluomo starts his period as National President, his actions will be closely enjoyed by fans and critics alike, with considerable ramifications for the transportation sector and Nigeria's broader political landscape.
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