1 MC Oluomo elected NURTW national president - Blueprint Newspapers Limited

trenaw23287084 edited this page 2024-11-17 05:19:38 +00:00

MC Oluomo's Controversial Rise: From Transport Union Leader to National NURTW President
bit.ly
In a development that has actually sparked both celebration and concern across Nigeria's transport sector, Musiliu Akinsanya, widely known as MC Oluomo, has 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 happened at the Union's Zonal Secretariat along the Osogbo/Ikirun road in Osun State, marks a significant turning point in the questionable figure's career trajectory while raising severe concerns about the crossway of transportation unions and political power in Nigeria.
bet9ja.com The Rise to Power
Delegates from four South-West states-- Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, and Ekiti-- participated 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.

In his acceptance speech, MC Oluomo called for unity within the union, mentioning, "I have actually forgiven everybody who angered me, and I wish those I angered would forgive me also. This is our union, and we should be dedicated to its preservation. We will not allow anybody to damage our methods of livelihood."
A Controversial Past
Nevertheless, MC Oluomo's ascension to the nationwide presidency features considerable baggage and controversy.
bet9ja.com
Allegations of violence, political intimidation, and the weaponization of transport union structures for political functions marked his period 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 function in election-related violence and citizen intimidation.

He was recorded on video making threats versus 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 declaration was a joke made to a friend nicknamed "Iya Chukwudi," the occurrence caused prevalent condemnation and requires his arrest.

The aftermath of his threats emerged in election day violence, where political punks apparently carried out civil-war-era-style "eye tests" to identify Igbo citizens, preventing lots of from exercising their democratic rights. These actions led to the creation of a petition requiring international travel bans versus him, citing his role in inciting ethnic violence.
Opposition and Concerns
The Concerned Transporters in South West of Nigeria, a group of transportation 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 design and declared use of union resources for personal gain as substantial issues.

The group stated, "MC Oluomo's leadership design is inappropriate. He used union resources for individual gain, disregarding members' welfare." They likewise raised concerns 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 evolved from a simple trade union into a powerful political force. With nearly 2 million members, the union has actually ended up being deeply embedded in Nigeria's political landscape, often working as an essential grassroots mobilization tool for politicians.

The union's structure, which extends from significant cities to remote areas, has actually made it an appealing partner for political actors seeking to establish 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 rise exemplifies the complex relationship in between transportation unions and political power in Nigeria. As documented in numerous reports, he has contributed in the Southwest's political campaigns and mobilization efforts, including notable involvement in the 2018 Osun State governorship election and subsequent political contests.
bet9ja.com
His methods of operation have typically been criticized for blurring the lines in between genuine union activities and political thuggery. Throughout the 2023 elections, his organization was accused of interfering with polling systems and daunting voters, particularly those viewed to be opposition supporters.
bet9ja.com Legal Challenges and Institutional Response
The controversial nature of MC Oluomo's management has actually caused various legal obstacles. Significant among these was a court order during the 2023 elections that avoided INEC from engaging his services to disperse election products in Lagos State, highlighting concerns about the politicization of vital electoral processes.
bit.ly Future Implications
As MC Oluomo presumes the nationwide leadership of the NURTW, concerns remain about the union's future direction and function in Nigeria's political landscape.

While his fans commemorate his ability to maintain order and structure within the transportation sector, critics fret about the potential across the country growth of what they see as a hazardous combination of transport union power and political influence.

The consultation also raises broader questions about the requirement for reform within Nigeria's transport union structure and the relationship between labour unions and political power.

As the country continues to face problems of democratic debt consolidation and ethnic harmony, the function of influential union leaders like MC Oluomo will likely remain a topic of intense debate and analysis.

This advancement functions as a defining moment for reflection on the state of Nigeria's democratic organizations 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 seen by supporters and critics alike, with considerable implications for the transport sector and Nigeria's more comprehensive political landscape.
bet9ja.com