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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 actually stimulated both celebration and concern throughout Nigeria’s transport sector, Musiliu Ayinde Akinsanya 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.
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The election, which took place at the Union’s Zonal Secretariat along the Osogbo/Ikirun road in Osun State, marks a significant turning point in the questionable figure’s profession trajectory while raising major questions about the intersection of transport 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 prospect.

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 likewise led to 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 acceptance speech, MC Oluomo called for unity within the union, specifying, “I have forgiven everybody who angered me, and I want those I upset would forgive me as well. This is our union, and we should be dedicated to its preservation. We will not allow anyone to destroy our means of livelihood.”
bet9ja.com A Controversial Past
Nevertheless, MC Oluomo’s ascension to the national presidency features significant luggage and controversy.

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, during the 2023 general elections, MC Oluomo acquired nationwide attention for his questionable function in election-related violence and voter intimidation.

He was caught on video making threats against Igbo citizens in Lagos State, warning them to either elect 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 incident led to widespread condemnation and calls for his arrest.

The consequences of his risks materialized in election day violence, where political punks presumably conducted civil-war-era-style “eye tests” to determine Igbo voters, avoiding many from exercising their democratic rights. These actions caused the creation of a petition requiring worldwide travel bans versus him, citing his function in inciting ethnic violence.
bit.ly Opposition and Concerns
The Concerned Transporters in South West of Nigeria, a group of transportation workers, has actually 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 leadership design and alleged use of union resources for personal gain as substantial concerns.

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

The union’s structure, which extends from major cities to remote locations, has actually made it an attractive partner for political actors seeking to establish control over local neighborhoods. This has resulted in transforming what was originally a transport 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 exhibits the complex relationship in between transportation unions and political power in Nigeria. As documented in various reports, he has actually contributed in the Southwest’s political campaigns and mobilization efforts, including notable involvement in the 2018 Osun State governorship election and subsequent political contests.
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His methods of operation have often been criticized for blurring the lines between legitimate union activities and political thuggery. During the 2023 elections, his company was accused of interrupting polling units and frightening citizens, particularly those viewed to be opposition supporters.
Legal Challenges and Institutional Response
The controversial nature of MC Oluomo’s management has resulted in different legal obstacles. Notable among these was a court order throughout the 2023 elections that avoided INEC from engaging his services to disperse election products in Lagos State, highlighting issues about the politicization of essential electoral processes.
Future Implications
As MC Oluomo assumes the national leadership of the NURTW, concerns remain about the union’s future direction and role in Nigeria’s political landscape.
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While his fans commemorate his capability to preserve order and structure within the transport sector, critics worry about the potential across the country expansion of what they see as a hazardous combination of transport union power and political influence.

The visit likewise raises wider 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 face issues of democratic combination and ethnic consistency, the role of influential union leaders like MC Oluomo will likely remain a topic of intense debate and scrutiny.

This development works as a critical moment for reflection on the state of Nigeria’s democratic organizations and the influence of non-state stars in the country’s political processes.

As MC Oluomo starts his tenure as National President, his actions will be carefully watched by advocates and critics alike, with considerable ramifications for the transport sector and Nigeria’s wider political landscape.
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