MC Oluomo elected NURTW national president - Blueprint Newspapers Limited
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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 concern across Nigeria's transport sector, Musiliu Akinsanya, commonly called MC Oluomo, has actually emerged as 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 roadway in Osun State, marks a significant turning point in the controversial figure's career trajectory while raising serious questions about the crossway 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 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 also led to the visit 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, stating, "I have actually forgiven everyone who angered me, and I wish those I angered would forgive me as well. This is our union, and we must be devoted to its conservation. We will not enable anybody to destroy our methods of income."
A Controversial Past
Nevertheless, MC Oluomo's ascension to the nationwide presidency features substantial baggage and debate.
Accusations of violence, political intimidation, and the weaponization of transport union structures for political functions marked his period as the chairman of the Lagos State chapter of NURTW.
Most significantly, throughout the 2023 basic elections, MC Oluomo gained nationwide attention for his controversial role in election-related violence and citizen intimidation.
He was captured on video making threats versus Igbo voters in Lagos State, alerting them to either elect the judgment 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 occurrence caused prevalent condemnation and requires his arrest.
The aftermath of his hazards materialized in election day violence, where political goons apparently carried out civil-war-era-style "eye tests" to determine Igbo citizens, preventing lots of from exercising their democratic rights. These actions caused the development of a petition requiring international travel restrictions versus him, mentioning his function in inciting ethnic violence.
Opposition and Concerns
The Concerned Transporters in South West of Nigeria, a group of transportation employees, has 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 management design and alleged use of union resources for personal gain as significant issues.
The group specified, "MC Oluomo's management design is unacceptable. He utilized union resources for personal 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.
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The NURTW's Evolution
The NURTW, formed in 1978 as a successor to the Nigerian Road Transport Union, has progressed from a simple trade union into a powerful political force. With nearly 2 million members, the union has actually ended up being deeply embedded in Nigeria's political landscape, often working as a crucial grassroots mobilization tool for politicians.
The union's structure, which extends from significant cities to remote locations, has made it an attractive partner for political actors seeking to establish control over local neighborhoods. This has resulted in changing what was initially a transportation employees' 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 in 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 notable involvement in the 2018 Osun State governorship election and subsequent political contests.
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His methods of operation have often been criticized for blurring the lines between genuine union activities and political thuggery. Throughout the 2023 elections, his company was accused of interrupting ballot systems and daunting voters, especially those viewed to be opposition advocates.
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Legal Challenges and Institutional Response
The controversial nature of MC Oluomo's leadership has led to different legal difficulties. Notable 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.
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Future Implications
As MC Oluomo presumes the nationwide leadership of the NURTW, questions remain about the union's future direction and function in Nigeria's political landscape.
While his advocates commemorate his ability to keep order and structure within the transportation sector, critics stress over the prospective nationwide expansion of what they view as a dangerous blend of transport union power and political influence.
The consultation likewise raises more comprehensive questions about the requirement for reform within Nigeria's transportation union structure and the relationship in between labour unions and political power.
As the country continues to come to grips with problems of democratic consolidation and ethnic consistency, the role of influential union leaders like MC Oluomo will likely remain 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 influence of non-state actors in the country's political processes.
As MC Oluomo starts his tenure as National President, his actions will be closely enjoyed by advocates and critics alike, with significant ramifications for the transportation sector and Nigeria's more comprehensive political landscape.
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