Oluomo emerges 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 a development that has stimulated both event and concern across Nigeria's transportation sector, Musiliu Ayinde Akinsanya Akinsanya, commonly called 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.
The election, which happened at the Union's Zonal Secretariat along the Osogbo/Ikirun road in Osun State, marks a significant milestone in the controversial figure's profession trajectory while raising serious concerns about the crossway of transportation unions and political power in Nigeria.
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 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.
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In his acceptance speech, MC Oluomo called for unity within the union, specifying, "I have forgiven everybody who angered me, and I want those I upset would forgive me too. This is our union, and we must be dedicated to its preservation. We will not enable anyone to damage our methods of livelihood."
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A Controversial Past
Nevertheless, MC Oluomo's ascension to the national presidency features considerable baggage and controversy.
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Allegations of violence, political intimidation, and the weaponization of transportation union structures for political purposes marked his tenure as the chairman of the Lagos State chapter of NURTW.
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Most notably, during the 2023 basic elections, MC Oluomo got national attention for his controversial function 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 judgment All Progressives Congress (APC) or remain at home. While he later declared the declaration was a joke made to a good friend nicknamed "Iya Chukwudi," the incident caused extensive condemnation and requires his arrest.
The after-effects of his dangers emerged in election day violence, where political criminals allegedly conducted civil-war-era-style "eye tests" to determine Igbo voters, preventing numerous from exercising their democratic rights. These actions caused the production of a petition calling for international travel bans versus him, citing his role 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 style and declared use of union resources for personal gain as considerable issues.
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The group specified, "MC Oluomo's leadership style is unacceptable. He used union resources for individual gain, disregarding members' well-being." They likewise raised issues about his capability to efficiently lead the nationwide body, indicating 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 actually progressed from an easy trade union into a powerful political force. With almost 2 million members, the union has actually become deeply embedded in Nigeria's political landscape, typically acting as an essential grassroots mobilization tool for political leaders.
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The union's structure, which extends from major cities to remote locations, has actually made it an attractive partner for political actors seeking to develop control over local communities. This has actually caused changing what was originally a transportation workers' union into what some critics refer to as an advanced network for political mobilization and, often, intimidation.
Political Influence and Violence
MC Oluomo's increase exemplifies the complex relationship in between transport unions and political power in Nigeria. As documented in various reports, he has actually been instrumental in the Southwest's political campaigns and mobilization efforts, consisting of notable participation 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 in between legitimate union activities and political thuggery. During the 2023 elections, his organization was implicated of disrupting ballot systems and daunting citizens, especially those perceived to be opposition supporters.
Legal Challenges and Institutional Response
The questionable nature of MC Oluomo's management has actually caused numerous legal challenges. Notable amongst 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 essential electoral processes.
Future Implications
As MC Oluomo assumes the nationwide management of the NURTW, questions remain about the union's future instructions and function in Nigeria's political landscape.
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While his fans celebrate his ability to keep order and structure within the transport sector, critics worry about the potential across the country growth of what they see as a dangerous combination of transport union power and political influence.
The visit likewise raises wider questions about the requirement for reform within Nigeria's transport union structure and the relationship in between labour unions and political power.
As the country continues to come to grips with concerns of democratic combination and ethnic consistency, the role of influential union leaders like MC Oluomo will likely remain a topic of intense debate and scrutiny.
This development works as a defining moment for reflection on the state of Nigeria's democratic institutions and the influence of non-state actors in the country's political procedures.
As MC Oluomo begins his tenure as National President, his actions will be closely watched by advocates and critics alike, with significant ramifications for the transportation sector and Nigeria's more comprehensive political landscape.
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