BWC: MWUN P-G Preaches Unity Selflessness Ahead Of Dockworkers Branch Elections

Ahead of the 23rd June 2025 dockworkers branch election, delegates and members have been advised to be magnanimous in fighting for the welfare of workers and union members at the branch.

Declaring open the Branch Working Committee (BWC) meeting of the branch on Friday, the President General of the Maritime Workers’ Union of Nigeria (MWUN), Comrade Francis Bunu Abi, urged whoever emerges victorious to avoid being selfish in their dealings with members.

He admonished the branch aspirants to put the interests of the union ahead of their personal interests.

He also called on them to defend the image of the union and the branch wherever they find themselves, emphasizing that the union consists of educated people, not unrefined individuals as is popularly believed.

In his words, “The elections are coming; open your eyes. This is the business that puts food on our tables.

“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 in your approach as elected officers.

“We don’t want a system where one man puts what belongs to many people in his pocket. We appeal to those who use money to play politics in the union to desist because we must not betray the workers.”

Secretary General, MWUN,Comrade Oniha Erasua,PG MWUN,Comrade Francis Bunu Abi and Dockworkers Branch President,Comrade Tajudeen Ohize during the BWC meeting held on Friday in Lagos.

 

Earlier, 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, noting that it is not volatile during elections.

He urged delegates to adhere to the management’s agreement regarding the upcoming branch elections.

“I am delighted because many good things will come to the branch.

“Dockworkers is a peculiar branch because many believe it is volatile.

“I tell people that we are not volatile but educated persons. We are managers of your business.

“I appeal to everyone who took the 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 union’s precepts during the elections.

“We thank God for granting us peace, good health, and safe journeys for those who came from far and near.

“This BWC is important because it is mandated by the constitution of the union.

“Delegates, I want to use this opportunity to welcome you to this BWC. It is with humility and heartfelt gratitude that I welcome you to this occasion.

“I also welcome our new PG for his first BWC in our branch.

“This BWC is in accordance with the dictates of the law, and it is the last after my eight years in office.”

The election is expected to take place on 23 June 2025 in Warri, Delta State.

Also speaking, Comrade Abubakar Bello, Deputy President General (DPG) of MWUN, congratulated the outgoing branch president for managing the branch union peacefully during his eight years in office.

Regarding pre-election activities, he said the situation was not what people expected to unfold, and he pleaded for peace and unity.

“Within the eight years, you managed the branch without any fight or quarrel.

“I am one of the happiest men because what people expected is not what they are seeing.

“We are begging for peace in the industry; we must work together and not allow elections to divide us.

“We must follow what the leaders have decided, and I am sure we will.”

The President of the Seamen/NIWA branch, Comrade Sunday Avoseh, also appealed for calm, saying that contestants should not tear the union apart in their quest for power.

He said, “We are one family because dockworkers and seamen 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.”

Vice President General (VPG) Martina Njoku praised the efforts of the outgoing president, saying he had done well.

She advised that whoever emerges as winners in all positions should carry others along in managing the union’s affairs.

“You have done well. Eight years is not a joke.

“My advice to whoever emerges is to carry others along. We should embrace unity.”