mc-oluomo-elected-as-nurtw-president---leadership-newspaper

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

In an advancement that has triggered both celebration and concern throughout Nigeria's transportation sector, Musiliu Ayinde Akinsanya Akinsanya, widely called 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 considerable milestone in the questionable figure's career trajectory while raising major questions 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-- participated 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 led to the appointment of Tajudeen Agbede as Vice President of South-West and Akeem Adeosun as trustee from the zone.
bet9ja.com
In his acceptance speech, MC Oluomo called for unity within the union, specifying, "I have forgiven everyone who upset me, and I wish those I offended would forgive me as well. This is our union, and we should be dedicated to its conservation. We will not enable anybody to ruin our means of livelihood."
A Controversial Past
However, MC Oluomo's ascension to the nationwide presidency comes with substantial baggage and controversy.
bet9ja.com
Claims of violence, political intimidation, and the weaponization of transport union structures for political functions marked his tenure as the chairman of the Lagos State chapter of NURTW.

Most notably, throughout the 2023 general elections, MC Oluomo acquired nationwide attention for his controversial role in election-related violence and citizen intimidation.

He was caught on video making threats versus Igbo citizens in Lagos State, warning them to either choose the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) or remain at home. While he later declared the statement was a joke made to a buddy nicknamed "Iya Chukwudi," the event resulted in extensive condemnation and requires his arrest.

The after-effects of his hazards emerged in election day violence, where political hooligans presumably conducted civil-war-era-style "eye tests" to determine Igbo citizens, avoiding many from exercising their democratic rights. These actions led to the creation of a petition calling for international travel bans against him, mentioning his role in prompting ethnic violence.
Opposition and Concerns
The Concerned Transporters in South West of Nigeria, a group of transportation workers, has emphatically opposed MC Oluomo's rise to power. In a communique signed by Comrade Taiwo Ariyo and Alhaji Ahmed Ibrahim, the group cited his questionable leadership design and alleged use of union resources for personal gain as substantial concerns.

The group mentioned, "MC Oluomo's leadership design is undesirable. He used union resources for individual gain, neglecting members' well-being." They also raised issues about his capability to effectively lead the national 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 successor to the Nigerian Road Transport Union, has developed from a simple 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, frequently functioning as an essential grassroots mobilization tool for political leaders.
bet9ja.com
The union's structure, which extends from major cities to remote areas, has actually made it an attractive partner for political stars looking for to develop control over regional neighborhoods. This has caused transforming what was originally a transportation employees' union into what some critics describe as a sophisticated network for political mobilization and, often, intimidation.
bet9ja.com Political Influence and Violence
MC Oluomo's increase exhibits the complex relationship between transport unions and political power in Nigeria. As documented in numerous reports, he has actually contributed in the Southwest's political campaigns and mobilization efforts, consisting of notable participation in the 2018 Osun State governorship election and subsequent political contests.

His methods of operation have actually often been criticized for blurring the lines in between legitimate union activities and political thuggery. Throughout the 2023 elections, his organization was accused of interrupting ballot systems and daunting citizens, especially those perceived to be opposition supporters.
Legal Challenges and Institutional Response
The questionable nature of MC Oluomo's leadership has caused different legal obstacles. Notable among these was a court order throughout the 2023 elections that avoided INEC from engaging his services to disperse election materials in Lagos State, highlighting concerns about the politicization of essential electoral procedures.
bet9ja.com Future Implications
As MC Oluomo presumes the nationwide leadership of the NURTW, questions stay about the union's future direction and function in Nigeria's political landscape.

While his advocates commemorate his capability to preserve order and structure within the transport sector, critics worry about the possible nationwide growth of what they view as a hazardous combination of transportation union power and political influence.

The appointment likewise raises broader questions about the need for reform within Nigeria's transport union structure and the relationship in between labour unions and political power.
bet9ja.com
As the nation continues to grapple with problems of democratic consolidation and ethnic consistency, the function of prominent union leaders like MC Oluomo will likely remain a topic of extreme debate and analysis.
bet9ja.com
This development acts as a critical 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 begins his period as National President, his actions will be carefully enjoyed by supporters and critics alike, with substantial ramifications for the transport sector and Nigeria's wider political landscape.