1 MC Oluomo elected NURTW national president Blueprint Newspapers Limited
jerrody5466308 edited this page 2 weeks ago

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

In an advancement that has triggered both celebration and concern across Nigeria's transportation sector, Musiliu Akinsanya, widely 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.
bet9ja.com
The election, which happened at the Union's Zonal Secretariat along the Osogbo/Ikirun roadway in Osun State, marks a significant turning point in the questionable figure's career trajectory while raising major concerns about the crossway 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 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.
bet9ja.com
The election likewise led to the visit of Tajudeen Agbede as Vice President of South-West and Akeem Adeosun as trustee from the zone.

In his acceptance speech, MC Oluomo required unity within the union, mentioning, "I have forgiven everybody who upset me, and I want those I angered would forgive me too. This is our union, and we must be devoted to its preservation. We will not enable anybody to destroy our ways of livelihood."
A Controversial Past
However, MC Oluomo's ascension to the nationwide presidency includes considerable luggage and debate.
bet9ja.com
Claims of violence, political intimidation, and the weaponization of transport union structures for political purposes marked his period as the chairman of the Lagos State chapter of NURTW.

Most significantly, during the 2023 basic elections, MC Oluomo got national attention for his questionable role in election-related violence and citizen intimidation.

He was caught on video making threats against Igbo voters in Lagos State, cautioning them to either elect the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) or stay at home. While he later claimed the declaration was a joke made to a pal nicknamed "Iya Chukwudi," the incident resulted in prevalent condemnation and calls for his arrest.

The after-effects of his threats emerged in election day violence, where political criminals allegedly conducted civil-war-era-style "eye tests" to identify Igbo voters, avoiding many from exercising their democratic rights. These actions resulted in the development of a petition calling for international travel restrictions versus him, mentioning his role in prompting ethnic violence.
Opposition and Concerns
The Concerned Transporters in South West of Nigeria, a group of transport workers, has actually emphatically opposed MC Oluomo's rise to power. In a communique signed by Comrade Taiwo Ariyo and Alhaji Ahmed Ibrahim, the group mentioned his questionable management design and alleged use of union resources for personal gain as substantial concerns.

The group specified, "MC Oluomo's management design is unacceptable. He used union resources for personal gain, neglecting members' well-being." They likewise raised concerns about his ability to successfully 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 an effective political force. With nearly 2 million members, the union has ended up being deeply embedded in Nigeria's political landscape, typically serving as an important grassroots mobilization tool for politicians.

The union's structure, which extends from major cities to remote areas, has actually made it an appealing partner for political stars looking for to develop control over local neighborhoods. This has actually led to transforming what was originally a transport employees' union into what some critics refer to as a sophisticated network for political mobilization and, sometimes, intimidation.
Political Influence and Violence
MC Oluomo's increase exhibits the complex relationship between transportation unions and political power in Nigeria. As documented in various reports, he has 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.
bit.ly
His methods of operation have typically been slammed for blurring the lines between legitimate union activities and political thuggery. During the 2023 elections, his company was implicated of interrupting ballot systems and intimidating citizens, especially those perceived to be opposition advocates.
Legal Challenges and Institutional Response
The questionable nature of MC Oluomo's management has led to different legal obstacles. Notable among these was a court order during the 2023 elections that prevented INEC from engaging his services to distribute election products in Lagos State, highlighting concerns about the politicization of vital electoral processes.
Future Implications
As MC Oluomo assumes the nationwide management of the NURTW, questions remain about the union's future direction and function in Nigeria's political landscape.

While his fans commemorate his ability to maintain order and structure within the transportation sector, critics fret about the potential across the country expansion of what they view as a harmful fusion of transport union power and political influence.

The consultation also raises wider questions about the need for reform within Nigeria's transportation union structure and the relationship between labour unions and political power.
bit.ly
As the country continues to face issues of democratic debt consolidation and ethnic harmony, the function of prominent union leaders like MC Oluomo will likely stay a subject of intense dispute and scrutiny.

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

As MC Oluomo begins his tenure as National President, his actions will be closely watched by supporters and critics alike, with considerable ramifications for the transport sector and Nigeria's wider political landscape.
bit.ly