1 MC Oluomo elected NURTW national president - Blueprint Newspapers Limited
viola06891489 edited this page 2024-11-17 15:12:26 +08:00


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

In a development that has actually triggered both event and concern throughout Nigeria's transport 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 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 career trajectory while raising serious 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-- took part in the election, which saw MC Oluomo as the sole candidate.

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 resulted in the consultation of Tajudeen Agbede as Vice President of South-West and Akeem Adeosun as trustee from the zone.
bet9ja.com
In his approval speech, MC Oluomo called for unity within the union, mentioning, "I have forgiven everybody who offended me, and I wish those I offended would forgive me too. This is our union, and we should be committed to its preservation. We will not enable anybody to damage our ways of income."
bet9ja.com A Controversial Past
Nevertheless, MC Oluomo's ascension to the nationwide presidency includes substantial luggage and controversy.

Claims 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.

Most especially, during the 2023 basic elections, MC Oluomo acquired nationwide attention for his controversial role in election-related violence and citizen intimidation.

He was recorded on video making threats against Igbo citizens in Lagos State, warning them to either vote for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) or stay at home. While he later on claimed the statement was a joke made to a good friend nicknamed "Iya Chukwudi," the incident resulted in prevalent condemnation and calls for his arrest.

The after-effects of his threats materialized in election day violence, where political criminals supposedly conducted civil-war-era-style "eye tests" to recognize Igbo citizens, preventing numerous from exercising their democratic rights. These actions caused the production of a petition calling for global 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 employees, has vehemently opposed MC Oluomo's rise to power. In a communique signed by Comrade Taiwo Ariyo and Alhaji Ahmed Ibrahim, the group mentioned his doubtful management design and declared use of union resources for individual gain as considerable issues.

The group mentioned, "MC Oluomo's management style is unacceptable. He used union resources for individual gain, disregarding members' well-being." They likewise raised concerns about his ability to successfully lead the national body, pointing to his history of conflicts with previous leaders and his questionable management style.
bit.ly The NURTW's Evolution
The NURTW, formed in 1978 as a successor to the Nigerian Road Transport Union, has actually evolved 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, frequently serving as an important grassroots mobilization tool for politicians.

The union's structure, which extends from major cities to remote areas, has made it an attractive partner for political stars looking for to develop control over local neighborhoods. This has resulted in transforming what was originally a transportation workers' union into what some critics describe as an advanced network for political mobilization and, often, intimidation.
bet9ja.com Political Influence and Violence
MC Oluomo's rise exemplifies the complex relationship 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.
bet9ja.com
His methods of operation have often been slammed for blurring the lines between legitimate union activities and political thuggery. During the 2023 elections, his organization was accused of interfering with ballot systems and intimidating voters, particularly those perceived to be opposition fans.
bit.ly Legal Challenges and Institutional Response
The controversial nature of MC Oluomo's management has caused different legal difficulties. Noteworthy among these was a court order during the 2023 elections that prevented INEC from engaging his services to disperse election materials in Lagos State, highlighting issues about the politicization of important electoral procedures.
Future Implications
As MC Oluomo presumes the national management of the NURTW, questions remain about the union's future direction and role in Nigeria's political landscape.
bet9ja.com
While his supporters commemorate his capability to keep order and structure within the transport sector, critics stress over the potential nationwide expansion of what they see as a hazardous fusion of transportation union power and political impact.

The appointment likewise raises more comprehensive concerns about the need for reform within Nigeria's transport union structure and the relationship in between labour unions and political power.

As the country continues to grapple with concerns of democratic consolidation and ethnic harmony, the role of prominent union leaders like MC Oluomo will likely stay a subject of intense argument and scrutiny.

This advancement serves as a critical moment for reflection on the state of Nigeria's democratic organizations and the influence of non-state actors in the country's political procedures.

As MC Oluomo starts his tenure as National President, his actions will be closely watched by advocates and critics alike, with substantial implications for the transport sector and Nigeria's broader political landscape.