Ahead of the March 28th election for the President-General of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN), the incumbent President General, Comrade Adewale Adeyanju, has reiterated that he will not hand over the leadership of the union to individuals he described as “marketers” who lack the experience and commitment to the struggles of maritime workers.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony of Comrade Francis Bunu Abi’s campaign on Friday, Adeyanju emphasized that MWUN is not a business enterprise and cannot be commercialized at the expense of workers’ rights.
“I will not hand over this government to a marketer. And I have been saying it repeatedly. I won’t hand over this government to a marketer because I know them, and they know me. That is why they are afraid,” Adeyanju declared.
He stressed that the union is built on labour struggles and sacrifices, warning against any attempt to mortgage its future.
“There’s no way you’re going to mortgage the rights of the workers. There’s no way you’re going to turn this institution into buying and selling at the back of the workers. This is an institution that produces leaders, and it will continue to do so,” he added.
Adeyanju reaffirmed his confidence in Bunu, who is from the Seafarers’ Branch, stating that his endorsement aligns with the union’s constitutional power rotation.
“In line with our constitution, we have four branches. All the other three branches have produced a President-General in the past. I looked inward at the remaining two and decided to pick from the Seafarers’ Branch, which is very dear to the heart of maritime workers. I do not think I made a mistake in picking Francis Bunu,” he said.
He further assured members that after Bunu’s tenure, leadership would shift to the Shipping Branch, in line with the rotational arrangement.
“After him, it’s the turn of Shipping. That’s a fact, a statement of fact. The incoming PG will not alter our constitution to favor one branch indefinitely,” Adeyanju assured.
In a surprising appearance at the event, Comrade Ifeanyi Mazeli, President of the NPA Branch of MWUN, commended Adeyanju for his leadership and the stability he has brought to the union. Mazeli, who had initially declared his intention to run for President-General, revealed that he stepped down after extensive consultations with the former PG, Comrade Tony Nted, and the plea by the current Dockworkers’ Branch President, Comrade Tajudeen Ohize.
According to him, their discussions, alongside his belief in Adeyanju’s leadership, convinced him to withdraw from the race.
“I had serious conversations with Comrade Tony Nted and Comrade Tajudeen Ohize, who, since I declared my intention, had weighed on me to step down. I believe in the leadership of our President-General, and that is why I took the decision,” Mazeli stated. He assured that the NPA Branch would give its full support to Comrade Francis Bunu.
The President of the Seafarers’ Branch, Comrade Sunday Avoseh, expressed gratitude to Adeyanju for trusting the branch. He highlighted that under Adeyanju’s leadership, the Seafarers’ Branch had transformed, particularly with the success of Minimum standard of payment in the branch that improved members’ welfare.
He said “Our present leader is a man that loves justice, equity, and fairness. The owners of this union sat and made the constitution and said henceforth, the position of the President-General must be rotational.
“And we, following the will of the founders of this union, the veterans and leaders of this union, stand in position to work with him.
“That is why today, if you take a look at this union, you will see that there is a branch that is next in line to produce the next PG.
“Bunu will not disappoint,” Avoseh assured, emphasizing the branch’s commitment to maintaining the integrity and progress of the union.
Similarly, the Dockworkers’ Branch President, Com. Tajudeen Ohize praised Adeyanju’s leadership, acknowledging the stability and development recorded under his tenure.
