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

In an advancement that has actually triggered both celebration and issue across Nigeria's transport sector, Musiliu Akinsanya, widely referred to 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.

The election, which took place at the Union's Zonal Secretariat along the Osogbo/Ikirun road in Osun State, marks a significant milestone in the controversial figure's profession trajectory while raising severe concerns about the crossway of transportation unions and political power in Nigeria.
The Rise to Power
Delegates from four South-West states-- Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, and Ekiti-- participated in the election, which saw MC Oluomo as the sole candidate.
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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.
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The election also led to 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 approval speech, MC Oluomo required unity within the union, specifying, "I have forgiven everyone who angered me, and I want those I offended would forgive me as well. This is our union, and we should be committed to its conservation. We will not allow anyone to destroy our ways of income."
A Controversial Past
However, MC Oluomo's ascension to the national presidency includes substantial luggage and debate.

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.

Most significantly, throughout the 2023 general elections, MC Oluomo got nationwide attention for his questionable role in election-related violence and voter intimidation.
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He was caught on video making threats against Igbo citizens in Lagos State, alerting them to either vote for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) or stay at home. While he later on claimed the declaration was a joke made to a buddy nicknamed "Iya Chukwudi," the occurrence led to extensive condemnation and calls for his arrest.

The after-effects of his risks materialized in election day violence, where political goons presumably carried out civil-war-era-style "eye tests" to recognize Igbo voters, preventing lots of from exercising their democratic rights. These actions caused the creation of a petition calling for worldwide travel bans versus him, citing his function in prompting ethnic violence.
Opposition and Concerns
The Concerned Transporters in South West of Nigeria, a group of transportation employees, 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 doubtful management design and alleged use of union resources for personal gain as considerable concerns.

The group stated, "MC Oluomo's leadership design is unacceptable. He utilized union resources for individual gain, disregarding members' well-being." They also raised issues about his capability to efficiently lead the national body, indicating his history of conflicts with previous leaders and his questionable management style.
The NURTW's Evolution
The NURTW, formed in 1978 as a successor to the Nigerian Road Transport Union, has progressed from a basic trade union into a powerful political force. With nearly 2 million members, the union has ended up being deeply embedded in Nigeria's political landscape, typically functioning as an essential grassroots mobilization tool for political leaders.

The union's structure, which extends from significant cities to remote areas, has actually made it an attractive partner for political stars seeking to develop control over regional neighborhoods. This has actually led to transforming what was originally a transportation employees' union into what some critics refer to as a sophisticated network for political mobilization and, sometimes, intimidation.
Political Influence and Violence
MC Oluomo's increase exemplifies the complex relationship in between transportation unions and political power in Nigeria. As recorded in numerous reports, he has actually been instrumental in the Southwest's political campaigns and mobilization efforts, consisting of notable involvement in the 2018 Osun State governorship election and subsequent political contests.

His methods of operation have often been slammed for blurring the lines in between genuine union activities and political thuggery. During the 2023 elections, his company was implicated of disrupting polling systems and frightening voters, especially those viewed to be opposition advocates.
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The questionable nature of MC Oluomo's management has actually resulted in numerous legal obstacles. 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 vital electoral processes.
Future Implications
As MC Oluomo presumes the nationwide leadership of the NURTW, questions stay about the union's future direction and role in Nigeria's political landscape.

While his supporters commemorate his ability to preserve order and structure within the transport sector, critics fret about the possible nationwide growth of what they view as a harmful combination of transport union power and political impact.

The consultation 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.
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As the country continues to face concerns of democratic consolidation and ethnic harmony, the function of prominent union leaders like MC Oluomo will likely stay a subject of intense debate and examination.

This development acts as a defining moment for reflection on the state of Nigeria's democratic institutions and the influence of non-state stars in the nation's political procedures.

As MC Oluomo begins his tenure as National President, his actions will be closely viewed by advocates and critics alike, with considerable implications for the transportation sector and Nigeria's more comprehensive political landscape.
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