MWUN boss, Comrade Bunu charges INC to engage in campaign for peace, security in Niger Delta region. 

 

 

Segun Oladipupo

 

 

President General of the Maritime Workers’ Union of Nigeria (MWUN), Comrade Francis Bunu Abi has called on the executives and members of the Ijaw National Council (INC) to focus its campaign on peace and harmony in the region for the development of the area.

 

He gave the charge when the leadership of the Lagos chapter paid a courtesy visit on the leadership of the union on Monday.

 

Comrade Bunu who was miffed by the insecurity in the region, blamed the lack of job and youth engagement on the insecurity and lack of peace in the Niger Delta.

 

He blamed the Congress for not living up to it’s responsibilities by standing against the maladies bedevilling the entire region.

 

His words, “All your demands, this is a trade union guided by laws and I know for sure that we will assist and will support both morally and financially.

 

“I don’t like INC because it has lost the main purpose why it was established.

 

“As you gave me responsibility for the young boys and girls to have jobs, it is beyond me. INC should have made a crusade to the whole of Niger Delta that there should be peace but you are not doing it.

 

“Most of the companies that should be operating there have run to Lagos and the Lagos terrain is not better but because there is no peace and security

 

“If there is peace and security in the region, the jobs will be there.

 

“Let me tell you, in the next four years, some of us may not be able to go to the region

 

“Take this message back to the national body and let us come together as one,” he stated.

 

Earlier, Comrade Harry Tonye, Chairman, INC Lagos, Ogun and Oyo states had requested for support for job for the youth as well as helping to

 

“We have come to familiarise with you, yo let you know that there is INC in Lagos where you work and reside

 

“When I was aspiring to go into election as the president of INC, I discussed with you and you did not only support me financially but also advised me. Today, I am here as the president after winning the election.

 

“I am here with your people, our elders who are our advisers.

 

“The four point agenda is our working tools and we meet Ijaw important personalities in Lagos among which you belong.

 

“We found out that some of our Ijaw nationalities are incarcerated in police cells and we discussed with our elders and they gave us the assignment to find out why it is so and we did our due diligence and reported to them and they gave us a marching order

 

“We were also given the task that our young men and women are out of jobs and they see maritime as a huge industry and since you are here, we should let them know the importance of engaging them

 

“They also told us to also have a befitting national secretariat. In Lagos, we dit have any place. When we came in, we approached the Bayelsa state government in their office but they told us that it was not in their power to allocate anywhere to use.

 

“We wrote letters to the 2 state governors and a place has been approved for us that will serve as administrative office for us. But we need a larger place.

 

“It is on this note that we have come to visit you and plead with you not to forget us.

 

“What you have achieved in six months is overwhelming and I pray that God will continue to give you the wisdom to carry the union to the promise land.

 

“I am happy for great achievement you have made within this little time. I want to tell you that we are there for you.”

 

 

Also speaking, Elder Regent Youmo, an adviser to the Congress described Ijaw people as Israelites who like to seek for themselves anywhere they found themselves.

 

He added that the Congress also stands as voice for any members who is being unjustly treated anywhere.

 

He also emphasised the need for employment for the legitimate sons and daughters of Ijaw who are suffering for lack of job.

 

Bar.Patrick Agbeotu, a former legal adviser to the Congress expressed joy for the meeting with MWUN PG who is the first Ijaw man to occupy the seat.

 

“We came identify with you to know that your people are in Lagos.

 

“I crave your indulgence within your capacity to help those who are qualified.

 

“We are making passionate appeal to help our youths b

ecause whatever you do will remain after your term in office.”