MC Oluomo elected as NURTW president - Vanguard Newspaper
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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 concern throughout Nigeria's transport sector, Musiliu Akinsanya, commonly called MC Oluomo, has 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 occurred at the Union's Zonal Secretariat along the Osogbo/Ikirun road in Osun State, marks a substantial turning point in the questionable figure's profession trajectory while raising severe concerns about the crossway of transport unions and political power in Nigeria.
The Rise to Power
Delegates from four South-West states-- Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, and Ekiti-- took part in the election, which saw MC Oluomo as the sole candidate.
The procedure 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 consultation 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, stating, "I have forgiven everyone who angered me, and I wish those I angered would forgive me too. This is our union, and we should be committed to its preservation. We will not enable anyone to destroy our ways of income."
A Controversial Past
However, MC Oluomo's ascension to the national presidency features substantial luggage and debate.
Accusations 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.
Most notably, throughout the 2023 basic elections, MC Oluomo gained nationwide attention for his questionable role in election-related violence and voter intimidation.
He was caught on video making threats against Igbo voters in Lagos State, warning them to either vote for the judgment All Progressives Congress (APC) or stay at home. While he later claimed the statement was a joke made to a buddy nicknamed "Iya Chukwudi," the occurrence caused widespread condemnation and calls for his arrest.
The after-effects of his hazards materialized in election day violence, where political hooligans allegedly conducted civil-war-era-style "eye tests" to recognize Igbo voters, preventing many from exercising their democratic rights. These actions resulted in the production of a petition calling for global travel restrictions against him, citing his function in prompting ethnic violence.
Opposition and Concerns
The Concerned Transporters in South West of Nigeria, a group of transportation workers, has actually 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 leadership design and alleged use of union resources for personal gain as substantial issues.
The group stated, "MC Oluomo's management design is unacceptable. He used union resources for individual gain, overlooking 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 questionable management design.
The NURTW's Evolution
The NURTW, formed in 1978 as a successor to the Nigerian Road Transport Union, has actually evolved from an easy trade union into a powerful political force. With nearly 2 million members, the union has become deeply embedded in Nigeria's political landscape, typically acting as a vital grassroots mobilization tool for political leaders.
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The union's structure, which extends from major cities to remote areas, has made it an appealing partner for political actors looking for to develop control over regional communities. This has resulted in 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.
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Political Influence and Violence
MC Oluomo's rise exhibits the complex relationship in between transportation unions and political power in Nigeria. As documented in different reports, he has actually been instrumental 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 typically been slammed for blurring the lines in between legitimate union activities and political thuggery. During the 2023 elections, his organization was accused of disrupting polling units and daunting citizens, particularly those perceived to be opposition fans.
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Legal Challenges and Institutional Response
The controversial nature of MC Oluomo's management has caused various legal obstacles. Significant amongst these was a court order throughout the 2023 elections that avoided INEC from engaging his services to disperse election products in Lagos State, highlighting concerns about the politicization of necessary electoral procedures.
Future Implications
As MC Oluomo presumes the national management of the NURTW, concerns remain about the union's future instructions and role in Nigeria's political landscape.
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While his fans commemorate his ability to keep order and structure within the transportation sector, critics worry about the prospective nationwide expansion of what they see as a harmful combination of transportation union power and political impact.
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The visit also raises more comprehensive concerns about the requirement for reform within Nigeria's transportation union structure and the relationship in between labour unions and political power.
As the nation continues to come to grips with concerns of democratic combination and ethnic harmony, the role of influential union leaders like MC Oluomo will likely stay a topic of intense argument and analysis.
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This advancement functions as a critical moment for reflection on the state of Nigeria's democratic organizations and the influence of non-state actors in the nation's political procedures.
As MC Oluomo begins his period as National President, his actions will be closely watched by supporters and critics alike, with significant implications for the transportation sector and Nigeria's more comprehensive political landscape.
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