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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, commonly called MC Oluomo, has actually emerged as the National President of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) following a consensus election by union stakeholders and delegates.


The election, which took place at the Union's Zonal Secretariat along the Osogbo/Ikirun roadway in Osun State, marks a substantial milestone in the controversial figure's career trajectory while raising major questions about the intersection of transportation 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 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 resulted in the visit of Tajudeen Agbede as Vice President of South-West and Akeem Adeosun as trustee from the zone.


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 angered would forgive me also. This is our union, and we must be committed to its preservation. We will not permit anybody to damage our methods of income."



A Controversial Past

However, MC Oluomo's ascension to the nationwide presidency features substantial luggage and controversy.


Allegations of violence, political intimidation, and the weaponization of transport union structures for political purposes marked his period as the chairman of the Lagos State chapter of NURTW.


Most notably, during the 2023 general elections, MC Oluomo got national 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, cautioning them to either elect the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) or stay at home. While he later claimed the statement was a joke made to a friend nicknamed "Iya Chukwudi," the event resulted in widespread 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 voters, preventing lots of from exercising their democratic rights. These actions resulted in the production of a petition calling for worldwide travel restrictions against him, citing his role in prompting ethnic violence.



Opposition and Concerns

The Concerned Transporters in South West of Nigeria, a group of transport 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 questionable leadership style and alleged use of union resources for personal gain as significant concerns.


The group mentioned, "MC Oluomo's management design is unacceptable. He utilized union resources for personal gain, ignoring members' welfare." They likewise raised concerns about his capability to effectively lead the nationwide body, indicating his history of conflicts with previous leaders and his controversial management design.



The NURTW's Evolution

The NURTW, formed in 1978 as a follower 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 ended up being deeply embedded in Nigeria's political landscape, typically serving as an important grassroots mobilization tool for political leaders.


The union's structure, which extends from major cities to remote locations, has made it an attractive partner for political stars seeking to develop control over regional neighborhoods. This has actually caused changing what was originally a transportation employees' union into what some critics describe as an advanced network for political mobilization and, in some cases, intimidation.



Political Influence and Violence

MC Oluomo's increase exemplifies the complex relationship in between transport unions and political power in Nigeria. As recorded in numerous reports, he has 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 actually often been criticized for blurring the lines between legitimate union activities and political thuggery. Throughout the 2023 elections, his company was accused of interrupting ballot systems and frightening citizens, particularly those viewed to be opposition supporters.



Legal Challenges and Institutional Response

The questionable nature of MC Oluomo's leadership has resulted in various legal difficulties. Noteworthy among these was a court order throughout the 2023 elections that prevented INEC from engaging his services to distribute election products in Lagos State, highlighting concerns about the politicization of essential electoral processes.



Future Implications

As MC Oluomo assumes the nationwide management of the NURTW, concerns stay about the union's future direction and function in Nigeria's political landscape.


While his supporters commemorate his capability to keep order and structure within the transport sector, critics worry about the potential nationwide expansion of what they view as a dangerous fusion of transport union power and political impact.


The appointment likewise raises wider concerns about the requirement for reform within Nigeria's transportation union structure and the relationship in between labour unions and political power.


As the country continues to come to grips with concerns of democratic combination and ethnic consistency, the role of prominent union leaders like MC Oluomo will likely remain a topic of intense debate and scrutiny.


This development acts as a defining moment for reflection on the state of Nigeria's democratic organizations and the impact 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 supporters and critics alike, with substantial implications for the transportation sector and Nigeria's wider political landscape.