MC Oluomo elected NURTW national president - Blueprint Newspapers Limited
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 transportation sector, Musiliu Akinsanya, popularly referred to as MC Oluomo, has actually become the National President of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) following a consensus 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 substantial 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 4 South-West states-- Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, and Ekiti-- took part in the election, which saw MC Oluomo as the sole candidate.
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 resulted in the visit 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 required unity within the union, specifying, "I have actually forgiven everybody who offended me, and I want those I offended would forgive me too. This is our union, and we should be devoted to its preservation. We will not enable anybody to damage our ways of income."
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A Controversial Past
However, MC Oluomo's ascension to the nationwide presidency comes with significant baggage and controversy.
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 significantly, throughout the 2023 basic elections, MC Oluomo got national attention for his questionable function in election-related violence and voter intimidation.
He was recorded on video making threats against Igbo voters in Lagos State, alerting them to either vote for the judgment All Progressives Congress (APC) or remain at home. While he later on claimed the statement was a joke made to a friend nicknamed "Iya Chukwudi," the occurrence resulted in extensive condemnation and calls for his arrest.
The consequences of his hazards emerged in election day violence, where political thugs supposedly conducted civil-war-era-style "eye tests" to determine Igbo citizens, avoiding numerous from exercising their democratic rights. These actions caused the development of a petition requiring international travel restrictions versus him, mentioning his function in prompting ethnic violence.
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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 leadership design and alleged use of union resources for personal gain as considerable issues.
The group specified, "MC Oluomo's leadership design is inappropriate. He utilized union resources for individual gain, disregarding members' welfare." They likewise raised concerns about his ability to effectively lead the national 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 evolved from a basic trade union into an effective political force. With nearly 2 million members, the union has actually become deeply embedded in Nigeria's political landscape, often acting as an essential grassroots mobilization tool for politicians.
The union's structure, which extends from major cities to remote locations, has made it an attractive partner for political stars looking for to develop control over local neighborhoods. This has led to transforming what was initially a transport workers' union into what some critics refer to as a sophisticated network for political mobilization and, in some cases, intimidation.
Political Influence and Violence
MC Oluomo's increase exhibits the complex relationship in between transport unions and political power in Nigeria. As recorded in various reports, he has actually 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.
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His methods of operation have actually often been slammed for blurring the lines between legitimate union activities and political thuggery. Throughout the 2023 elections, his organization was implicated of interrupting ballot units and intimidating citizens, especially those perceived to be opposition fans.
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Legal Challenges and Institutional Response
The questionable nature of MC Oluomo's leadership has led to numerous legal difficulties. Notable amongst these was a court order throughout the 2023 elections that avoided INEC from engaging his services to distribute election materials in Lagos State, highlighting concerns about the politicization of important electoral procedures.
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.
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While his supporters celebrate his capability to preserve order and structure within the transport sector, critics stress over the possible nationwide growth of what they view as a hazardous fusion of transportation union power and political impact.
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The consultation also raises broader concerns about the need for reform within Nigeria's transport union structure and the relationship between labour unions and political power.
As the country continues to face concerns of democratic combination and ethnic harmony, the role of prominent union leaders like MC Oluomo will likely stay a topic of intense argument and analysis.
This advancement works as a critical moment for reflection on the state of Nigeria's democratic organizations and the impact of non-state actors in the country's political processes.
As MC Oluomo starts his period as National President, his actions will be closely enjoyed by supporters and critics alike, with significant implications for the transport sector and Nigeria's more comprehensive political landscape.