Segun Oladipupo
Ahead of the 23rd June, 2025 dockworkers branch election, the delegates and members have been advised to be magnanimous in fighting for the welfare of workers and members of the union at the branch
Declaring open the Branch Working Committee (BWC) of the branch on Friday, the President General of the Maritime Workers’ Union of Nigeria (MWUN), Comrade Francis Bunu Abi told the whoever emerges to avoid being selfish in their dealing with members.
He admonished the branch aspirants to put the interest of the union ahead of their personal interests
He also called on them to defend the image of the union and the branch anywhere they find themselves saying the union consist of educated people and not unrefined people as popularly believed.
His words, “The elections are coming, open your eyes and this is the business that brings food to our table.
“Do not put yourself ahead of the union. You should be the ones to defend the union outside.
“Trade union business is not about money but about what you can give to others. You should be selfless on your approach as elected officers.
“We don’t want a system where one man out what belongs to many people n his pocket. We are appealing to those who use money to play politics in the union to desist because we must not betray the workers.”
The union boss expressed delight over the BWC especially because it is the first since his assumption of office as the PG of the union.
He described the branch as a peculiar one even as he stated that the branch is not volatile during elections.
He enjoined delegates to adhere to the agreement of the management in relations to the upcoming branch elections.
“I am delighted because there are many good things that will cone to the branch.
“Dockworkers is a peculiar branch because people believe that the branch is volatile.
“I tell people that we are not volatile but educated persons. We are managers of your business.
“I am appealing to everyone who took time to attend the BWC to discuss issues that will move your branch forward. I want everyone to connect to the level of growth.
Earlier, the branch president, Comrade Ibrahim Ohize while welcoming delegates to the Conference, called on members to be law-abiding and to follow the precepts of the union during the elections.
“We thank God for granting us peace and good health and for safe journey for those that came from far and near.
“This BWC is important because it is according to the constitution of the union and I am glad it is my last as president of the branch.
“Delegates, I want to use the medium to welcome you to this BWC it is with humility and heartfelt gratitude that I welcome you to this occasion.
“This BWC is according to the dictates of the law and this is the last after my 8 years in office.”
Also speaking, Comrade Abubakar Bello,Deputy President General (DPG), MWUN congratulated the outgoing branch president for managing the branch union without problems within his eight years in office.
On the pre-election activities, he said it was not what people expected that plated out even as he pleaded for peace and oneness
“Within the eight years, you managed the branch and there was no fight or quarrel.
“I am one of the happiest man because what people expect is not what they are seeing.
“We are begging for peace in the industry, we must work together and not allow election divide us.
“We must follow what the leaders have decided and I am sure we are going to follow it.
The President of Seamen/NIWA branch, Comrade Sunday Avoseh also appealed for calm saying that the contestants should not tear the union apart in their quest for power.
He said, “We are one family because dockworkers and seaman are brothers and we always support each other.
“I appeal that we must not tear things apart because it is not your turn today. If it is not your turn today, it will be your turn tomorrow,” he submitted.
Vice President General (VPG) Martina Njoku eulogised the efforts of the outgoing president saying he had done well.
He advised that whoever emerges as winners in all the positions should carry others along in the management of the union affairs.
“You have done well. Eight years is not a joke.
“My advice to whoever emerges to carry others along. We should embrace unity.”
