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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 triggered both event 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 a consensus election by union stakeholders and delegates.
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The election, which occurred at the Union's Zonal Secretariat along the Osogbo/Ikirun roadway in Osun State, marks a significant milestone in the questionable figure's career trajectory while raising serious concerns about the crossway 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 candidate.
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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 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 approval speech, MC Oluomo called for unity within the union, specifying, "I have forgiven everybody who upset me, and I want those I offended would forgive me as well. This is our union, and we should be devoted to its conservation. We will not allow anyone to destroy our methods of income."
bit.ly A Controversial Past
However, MC Oluomo's ascension to the national presidency includes substantial baggage 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.
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Most notably, throughout the 2023 general elections, MC Oluomo gained nationwide attention for his controversial role in election-related violence and citizen intimidation.

He was caught on video making threats against Igbo citizens in Lagos State, cautioning them to either elect the judgment All Progressives Congress (APC) or stay at home. While he later on declared the statement was a joke made to a good friend nicknamed "Iya Chukwudi," the event led to extensive condemnation and requires his arrest.
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The aftermath of his threats materialized in election day violence, where political goons presumably carried out civil-war-era-style "eye tests" to determine Igbo voters, preventing numerous from exercising their democratic rights. These actions resulted in the production of a petition requiring international 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 employees, has actually vehemently opposed MC Oluomo's rise to power. In a communique signed by Comrade Taiwo Ariyo and Alhaji Ahmed Ibrahim, the group cited his questionable management style and declared use of union resources for personal gain as substantial concerns.
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The group stated, "MC Oluomo's management style is unacceptable. He used union resources for personal gain, neglecting members' welfare." They also raised issues about his ability to efficiently lead the national body, pointing to his history of conflicts with previous leaders and his controversial management style.
The NURTW's Evolution
The NURTW, formed in 1978 as a follower to the Nigerian Road Transport Union, has actually progressed from a basic trade union into an effective political force. With almost 2 million members, the union has become deeply embedded in Nigeria's political landscape, typically serving as an important grassroots mobilization tool for politicians.

The union's structure, which extends from significant cities to remote locations, has actually made it an attractive partner for political actors looking for to develop control over local communities. This has led to changing what was originally a transport 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 transportation 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 noteworthy participation in the 2018 Osun State governorship election and subsequent political contests.
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His methods of operation have actually frequently been criticized for blurring the lines in between genuine union activities and political thuggery. During the 2023 elections, his company was implicated of interfering with ballot systems and daunting citizens, especially those perceived to be opposition fans.
bit.ly Legal Challenges and Institutional Response
The controversial nature of MC Oluomo's leadership has actually resulted in different legal challenges. 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 important electoral procedures.
Future Implications
As MC Oluomo presumes the nationwide leadership of the NURTW, concerns stay about the union's future direction and role in Nigeria's political landscape.
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While his advocates commemorate his ability to keep order and structure within the transport sector, critics worry about the possible nationwide expansion of what they view as a harmful fusion of transportation union power and political influence.
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The appointment likewise raises wider questions about the requirement for reform within Nigeria's transport union structure and the relationship between labour unions and political power.

As the nation continues to face problems of democratic debt consolidation and ethnic harmony, the role of influential union leaders like MC Oluomo will likely stay a topic of extreme dispute and analysis.
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This development serves as a defining moment for reflection on the state of Nigeria's democratic institutions and the influence of non-state stars 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 considerable ramifications for the transportation sector and Nigeria's more comprehensive political landscape.