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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 stimulated both celebration and issue throughout Nigeria's transport sector, Musiliu Akinsanya, commonly known as MC Oluomo, has 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 took place at the Union's Zonal Secretariat along the Osogbo/Ikirun road in Osun State, marks a significant milestone in the questionable figure's profession trajectory while raising major concerns about the intersection of transportation 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.

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.
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The election also led to the appointment 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 forgiven everyone who offended me, and I wish those I upset would forgive me as well. This is our union, and we need to be committed to its conservation. We will not allow anyone to destroy our means of income."
A Controversial Past
Nevertheless, MC Oluomo's ascension to the nationwide presidency comes with substantial luggage and controversy.

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

He was captured on video making threats versus Igbo citizens in Lagos State, warning them to either choose the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) or remain at home. While he later claimed the statement was a joke made to a good friend nicknamed "Iya Chukwudi," the incident caused widespread condemnation and calls for his arrest.

The after-effects of his risks materialized in election day violence, where political criminals allegedly performed 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 requiring global travel bans versus him, citing his function in inciting 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 leadership design and declared use of union resources for individual gain as considerable concerns.

The group mentioned, "MC Oluomo's management style is inappropriate. He used union resources for individual gain, ignoring members' welfare." They also raised issues about his capability 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 evolved from a basic trade union into a powerful political force. With almost 2 million members, the union has actually become deeply embedded in Nigeria's political landscape, typically acting as an essential 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 stars looking for to establish control over regional communities. This has actually resulted in transforming what was originally a transport employees' union into what some critics refer to as an advanced network for political mobilization and, often, intimidation.
Political Influence and Violence
MC Oluomo's increase exhibits the complex relationship between transport unions and political power in Nigeria. As recorded in different 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.
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His methods of operation have actually typically been criticized for blurring the lines in between legitimate union activities and political thuggery. During the 2023 elections, his company was accused of interrupting ballot systems and daunting citizens, particularly those perceived to be opposition fans.
Legal Challenges and Institutional Response
The questionable nature of MC Oluomo's leadership has caused various legal obstacles. Significant amongst these was a court order during the 2023 elections that avoided INEC from engaging his services to distribute election products 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.

While his fans celebrate his capability to keep order and structure within the transport sector, critics worry about the possible across the country expansion of what they see as a hazardous blend of transportation union power and political influence.
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The appointment also raises more comprehensive concerns about the need for reform within Nigeria's transportation union structure and the relationship in between labour unions and political power.

As the nation continues to face concerns of democratic consolidation and ethnic harmony, the function of prominent union leaders like MC Oluomo will likely stay a topic of intense dispute and scrutiny.
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This advancement works as a critical 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 period as National President, his actions will be closely enjoyed by fans and critics alike, with considerable implications for the transport sector and Nigeria's broader political landscape.