mc-oluomo-emerges-nurtw-president---premium-times-nigeria

MC Oluomo's Controversial Rise: From Transport Union Leader to National NURTW President
bit.ly
In a development that has actually triggered both celebration and issue across Nigeria's transportation sector, Musiliu Ayinde Akinsanya Akinsanya, commonly known 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.
bet9ja.com
The election, which happened at the Union's Zonal Secretariat along the Osogbo/Ikirun roadway in Osun State, marks a significant milestone in the controversial figure's career trajectory while raising major questions 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-- participated 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 likewise 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 actually forgiven everybody who offended me, and I wish those I angered would forgive me too. This is our union, and we must be dedicated to its preservation. We will not allow anybody to destroy our ways of livelihood."
A Controversial Past
However, MC Oluomo's ascension to the national presidency comes with substantial baggage and debate.

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.
bet9ja.com
Most significantly, during the 2023 basic elections, MC Oluomo acquired national attention for his controversial function in election-related violence and voter intimidation.

He was caught on video making threats versus Igbo voters in Lagos State, cautioning them to either vote for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) or stay at home. While he later claimed the statement was a joke made to a friend nicknamed "Iya Chukwudi," the occurrence led to widespread condemnation and requires his arrest.

The after-effects of his dangers materialized in election day violence, where political goons supposedly conducted civil-war-era-style "eye tests" to recognize Igbo voters, preventing many from exercising their democratic rights. These actions resulted in the creation of a petition requiring international travel restrictions against him, citing his function in inciting ethnic violence.
bet9ja.com Opposition and Concerns
The Concerned Transporters in South West of Nigeria, a group of transportation employees, has actually 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 style and declared use of union resources for individual gain as significant concerns.

The group stated, "MC Oluomo's leadership design is inappropriate. He used union resources for individual gain, disregarding members' welfare." They also raised concerns about his ability to effectively lead the national body, indicating his history of conflicts with previous leaders and his controversial management design.
bit.ly The NURTW's Evolution
The NURTW, formed in 1978 as a follower to the Nigerian Road Transport Union, has evolved from a basic 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 functioning as an essential grassroots mobilization tool for political leaders.

The union's structure, which extends from major cities to remote areas, has actually made it an attractive partner for political stars seeking to establish control over regional neighborhoods. This has actually resulted in transforming what was initially a transport employees' union into what some critics describe as an advanced 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 numerous reports, he has actually been instrumental in the Southwest's political campaigns and mobilization efforts, including significant involvement in the 2018 Osun State governorship election and subsequent political contests.
bet9ja.com
His methods of operation have actually typically been slammed for blurring the lines in between legitimate union activities and political thuggery. Throughout the 2023 elections, his company was accused of disrupting polling systems and frightening voters, particularly those perceived to be opposition supporters.
Legal Challenges and Institutional Response
The controversial nature of MC Oluomo's leadership has actually resulted in numerous legal challenges. Noteworthy among these was a court order throughout the 2023 elections that prevented INEC from engaging his services to disperse election products in Lagos State, highlighting concerns about the politicization of important electoral processes.
bet9ja.com Future Implications
As MC Oluomo assumes the nationwide management of the NURTW, concerns stay about the union's future direction and function in Nigeria's political landscape.

While his fans celebrate his capability to maintain order and structure within the transportation sector, critics fret about the potential nationwide expansion of what they view as a dangerous blend of transportation union power and political impact.

The consultation also 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.

As the nation continues to face issues of democratic consolidation and ethnic consistency, the function of prominent union leaders like MC Oluomo will likely stay a subject of intense argument and analysis.
bet9ja.com
This development serves as a defining moment for reflection on the state of Nigeria's democratic institutions and the impact of non-state actors in the country's political processes.

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