The executive chairman, Haulage District of Maritime works uniform of Nigeria (MWUN) Eastern ports, Comrade Ugwu Adolphus says there is no amount of intimidation, blackmail or name -calling that would make him fight the federal government policy of Electronic Truck call -up system otherwise known as E- call up at Onne Port.
Ugwu was reacting to a recent protest embarked upon by some truck drivers under the aegis of Active Containers and Cargo Truck drivers Association of Nigeria who on Tuesday staged a protest at Onne saying they were no longer members of Maritime workers Union haulage District unit Eastern Port citing extortion, lack of warfare and multiple taxation among others.
Comrade Ugwu said that trouble started when some disgruntled and power- seeking members of Maritime Workers Union haulage unit felt they had lost out in their quest to force him to continue fighting against the government policy implementation of the E- Call system at Onne Port.
He added, “when the issue of E- Call up started, we made our positions known to the Nigeria Ports Authority especially informing them that there was no need for the system at Onne because of the peculiar nature of Onne especially as the E-call Up was to stem Congestions at the Port and there was no such problem here”
He continued, “But when the authorities concerned insisted on implementing it, who am I as a person or unionist to stop the federal government or NPA from implementing the federal government policy.”
He noted that even some people came to him and mandated him to stop the E-call Up, but he told them he had tried but his power was limited to what the union could do.
“As they felt they could not push me, to stop the E- Call up and by extension Nigerian Port Authority and federal government they ganged up against me saying the Maritime Workers Union haulage unit connived with NPA to extort them”, Ugwu added.
Ugwu debunked all their allegations of multiple taxation and extortion insisting that what they pay is N5, 000 to N10, 000 Union fee which according to him is receipted and applicable throughout the federation.
On the lack of a welfare package for workers, the (MWUN) chief challenged them to come up with proof of anyone who was neglected in time of need.
“I challenge at least one person to come out with evidence that he has been neglected. Our members who are sick, we take care of them. We take them to hospitals for treatment and pay their bills. Those that lost their lives we gave them befitting burials and paid all their rights.”
“Even those with permanent disabilities we have not turned our backs on them”
“Where is this allegation coming from all because of implementation of E- call up” queried?
“Maritime workers Union has nothing to do with the E-call system”, Ugwu insisted.
Comrade Ugwu who displayed court judgement documents said that in 2021, some people also invaded the Ports trying to take over power but the union took them to court and won.
He said even the court told them that the Association lacked the power to unionize members but Trade unions.
Speaking further, Ugwu said, I challenge them to come out clean. Instead of disrupting business activities by blocking Port access roads and causing economic sabotage,why not channel their grievances to the appropriate quarters like the court or invite the police.
He however, cautioned his members not to engage in any act that would jeopardize the free flow of business activities at Onne Port insisting they should maintain decorum even in the face of provocation while calling anybody that is aggrieved to choose the part of dialogue to entrench peace at the Port.
By Bon Peters
