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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 triggered both celebration and concern throughout Nigeria’s transportation sector, Musiliu Akinsanya, commonly known as 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.
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The election, which occurred at the Union’s Zonal Secretariat along the Osogbo/Ikirun road in Osun State, marks a substantial milestone in the questionable figure’s career trajectory while raising major concerns about the crossway of transportation unions and political power in Nigeria.
bet9ja.com 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.
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The procedure 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.

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 required unity within the union, mentioning, “I have actually forgiven everybody who angered me, and I wish those I upset would forgive me too. This is our union, and we should be devoted to its conservation. We will not permit anybody to ruin our methods of income.”
A Controversial Past
However, MC Oluomo’s ascension to the nationwide presidency features significant baggage and debate.
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Allegations of violence, political intimidation, and the weaponization of transportation union structures for political purposes marked his period as the chairman of the Lagos State chapter of NURTW.
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Most notably, during the 2023 general elections, MC Oluomo got national attention for his controversial function in election-related violence and citizen intimidation.

He was captured on video making threats versus Igbo citizens in Lagos State, alerting them to either elect the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) or remain at home. While he later on claimed the statement was a joke made to a pal nicknamed “Iya Chukwudi,” the incident led to extensive condemnation and calls for his arrest.
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The after-effects of his dangers materialized in election day violence, where political goons allegedly carried out civil-war-era-style “eye tests” to recognize Igbo citizens, avoiding many from exercising their democratic rights. These actions caused the production of a petition requiring international travel bans against him, citing his role in inciting ethnic violence.
Opposition and Concerns
The Concerned Transporters in South West of Nigeria, a group of transport 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 concerns.

The group mentioned, “MC Oluomo’s leadership design is undesirable. He utilized union resources for personal gain, disregarding members’ welfare.” They likewise raised issues about his capability to effectively lead the national body, indicating his history of conflicts with previous leaders and his questionable management style.
bet9ja.com The NURTW’s Evolution
The NURTW, formed in 1978 as a successor to the Nigerian Road Transport Union, has actually developed from a basic trade union into an effective political force. With nearly 2 million members, the union has actually ended up being deeply embedded in Nigeria’s political landscape, typically functioning as a crucial grassroots mobilization tool for political leaders.

The union’s structure, which extends from significant cities to remote areas, has made it an attractive partner for political actors looking for to develop control over local neighborhoods. This has led to transforming what was originally a transportation employees’ union into what some critics refer to as an advanced network for political mobilization and, in some cases, intimidation.
Political Influence and Violence
MC Oluomo’s increase exhibits the complex relationship 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 noteworthy 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 genuine union activities and political thuggery. Throughout the 2023 elections, his company was accused of interrupting polling units and intimidating voters, particularly those perceived to be opposition advocates.
Legal Challenges and Institutional Response
The controversial nature of MC Oluomo’s leadership has led to different legal difficulties. Noteworthy among these was a court order during the 2023 elections that avoided INEC from engaging his services to disperse election materials in Lagos State, highlighting issues about the politicization of essential electoral procedures.
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.
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While his supporters commemorate his ability to keep order and structure within the transportation sector, critics stress over the prospective nationwide growth of what they view as a hazardous blend of transportation union power and political impact.

The appointment also raises more comprehensive questions about the need for reform within Nigeria’s transportation union structure and the relationship between labour unions and political power.

As the nation continues to grapple with issues of democratic debt consolidation and ethnic consistency, the function of influential union leaders like MC Oluomo will likely stay a topic of extreme dispute and examination.
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This development functions as a critical moment for reflection on the state of Nigeria’s democratic institutions and the impact of non-state actors in the nation’s political procedures.

As MC Oluomo starts his period as National President, his actions will be carefully enjoyed by fans and critics alike, with substantial ramifications for the transport sector and Nigeria’s broader political landscape.