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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 sparked both event and concern across Nigeria's transport sector, Musiliu Ayinde Akinsanya Akinsanya, commonly called MC Oluomo, has 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 happened at the Union's Zonal Secretariat along the Osogbo/Ikirun roadway in Osun State, marks a considerable milestone in the questionable figure's career trajectory while raising serious 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 prospect.

The process 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 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 called for unity within the union, stating, "I have forgiven everybody who upset me, and I wish those I upset would forgive me as well. This is our union, and we must be dedicated to its preservation. We will not permit anyone to ruin our methods of income."
A Controversial Past
Nevertheless, MC Oluomo's ascension to the nationwide presidency features substantial luggage and debate.

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

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

He was captured on video making threats against Igbo citizens in Lagos State, cautioning them to either vote for the judgment All Progressives Congress (APC) or stay at home. While he later declared the statement was a joke made to a friend nicknamed "Iya Chukwudi," the incident caused extensive condemnation and calls for his arrest.
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The aftermath of his risks materialized in election day violence, where political thugs apparently conducted civil-war-era-style "eye tests" to recognize Igbo citizens, preventing many from exercising their democratic rights. These actions resulted in the creation of a petition requiring international travel restrictions versus him, citing his role in prompting ethnic violence.
Opposition and Concerns
The Concerned Transporters in South West of Nigeria, a group of transport 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 management style and declared use of union resources for individual gain as considerable concerns.

The group stated, "MC Oluomo's management design is inappropriate. He used union resources for personal gain, ignoring members' well-being." They likewise raised concerns about his ability to efficiently lead the nationwide body, pointing to 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 an easy trade union into an effective political force. With almost 2 million members, the union has actually become deeply embedded in Nigeria's political landscape, frequently serving as a vital grassroots mobilization tool for political leaders.

The union's structure, which extends from major cities to remote locations, has actually made it an appealing partner for political stars seeking to develop control over local neighborhoods. This has actually led to changing what was initially a transport employees' union into what some critics describe as an advanced network for political mobilization and, sometimes, intimidation.
Political Influence and Violence
MC Oluomo's rise exhibits the complex relationship between transportation unions and political power in Nigeria. As recorded in various reports, he has contributed in the Southwest's political campaigns and mobilization efforts, including significant involvement in the 2018 Osun State governorship election and subsequent political contests.

His methods of operation have actually often been criticized for blurring the lines in between legitimate union activities and political thuggery. During the 2023 elections, his company was accused of disrupting ballot systems and intimidating voters, particularly those perceived to be opposition supporters.
Legal Challenges and Institutional Response
The questionable nature of MC Oluomo's leadership has actually caused numerous legal obstacles. Significant 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 essential electoral procedures.
Future Implications
As MC Oluomo assumes the nationwide management of the NURTW, concerns stay about the union's future instructions and role in Nigeria's political landscape.
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While his fans commemorate his capability to maintain order and structure within the transportation sector, critics stress over the potential across the country growth of what they view as a hazardous combination of transportation union power and political influence.
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The consultation likewise raises wider concerns about the need for reform within Nigeria's transport union structure and the relationship between labour unions and political power.

As the country continues to come to grips with concerns of democratic combination and ethnic harmony, the role of influential union leaders like MC Oluomo will likely remain a subject of extreme argument and scrutiny.

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

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