The Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN), has officially announced its disassociation from the planned nationwide protest scheduled to begin on August 1, 2024.
The union in a press release issued by Head of Media for MWUN, Comrade John Kennedy Ikemefuna on Thursday, declared that neither its executives nor its officials are connected to the individuals organizing the protest.
The union emphasized its responsibility and commitment to providing essential services, a role the union said became even more prominent during the COVID-19 lockdown, when its members continued to work despite the stay-at-home order by the National Council for Disease Control (NCDC).
The President General of the union; Comrade Adewale Adeyanju, who also serves as the Deputy President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Vice President Global of the International Transport Workers Federation (ITF), reiterated the Union’s stand as regards the planned nationwide protests.
He affirmed that while MWUN is an affiliate of the NLC and participates in lawful and orderly industrial actions as directed by the Congress, it will not partake in any protest not sanctioned by the NLC.
“The union will not take part in any protest not directed by the Nigerian Labour Congress; however, the union does not begrudge any Nigerian citizen their right to a peaceful protest,” Adeyanju stated.
He urged members of the MWUN to refrain from participating in any protests at terminals, jetties or oil and gas platforms and to avoid any engagement with hoodlums who might exploit the situation to cause destruction and harm, drawing parallels to the tragic events of the EndSars protests.
Adeyanju further emphasized the Union’s dedication to maintaining industrial peace and harmony within the maritime sector.
He called on MWUN members to remain vigilant and alert to prevent miscreants from infiltrating the sector under the guise of protestors.
“The scars of EndSars are still fresh in our memories,” Adeyanju remarked, underscoring the importance of avoiding any actions that could lead to a repeat of such violence and chaos.
He assured that MWUN remains steadfast in its mission to foster a stable and peaceful working environment for its members and the industry at large.
