Why NURTW Appointed Anthony Ewa As New President, Thwarts MC Oluomo’s Ambition

ABUJA, FCT, NIGERIA – The National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) has announced Anthony Ewa as its new president.

Ewa assumed office in an acting capacity on Monday, October 14, 2024, stepping into the role just weeks after Musiliu Akinsanya, popularly known as MC Oluomo, had declared himself the “Designated President” of the NURTW.

Ewa becomes the second individual to take up the top leadership position since MC Oluomo vacated his role as Chairman of the Lagos State Chapter in February 2024, after what was purported to be a “deal” positioning him for the national role.

However, MC Oluomo’s ambition to lead the NURTW was thwarted by legal challenges and threats of protests by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), led by Joe Ajaero, which stood behind embattled NURTW President Ibikunle Baruwa’s continued tenure.

It would be recalled that in the midst of this leadership crisis, the NURTW Board of Trustees, chaired by Usman Najeem Yasin, appointed Aliyu Isa Ore as acting President to manage the situation until a permanent president could be appointed or elected.

This interim appointment led MC Oluomo and his supporters to believe that his elevation to the national presidency was imminent. His public declaration as the “Designated President” further cemented those expectations.

Surprisingly, Anthony Ewa has now been named the new President, defying earlier predictions that MC Oluomo was next in line for the role.

Ewa officially took charge at the union’s National Headquarters in Abuja on Monday, October 14, 2024, where he was introduced to staff and various departments.

In a statement released by the NURTW, Ewa emphasized that his immediate focus would be on strengthening unity within the union.

He noted, “Our strength lies in our unity. My goal is to transcend our differences and foster a spirit of collaboration and mutual respect, which is crucial as we come together as one.”