The Maritime workers Union of Nigeria, Shipping Branch has elected new District EXCO in the Eastern Zone comprising Warri, Port Harcourt and Onne to pilot the activities of the branches for the next four years, even as they have been charged on synergy and collaboration which officials say will ensure the welfare of workers.
The election which took place Tuesday, December 9, in Port Harcourt the Rivers state Capital, saw the gathering of all the delegates from the affected Districts who came to cast their votes.
The District election our Correspondent reports was devoid of rancour and acrimony usually associated with union elections as all the elected officers were returned unopposed signaling a new wave of camaraderie in all the branches.
Speaking to newsmen on the sidelines of the election, the National President, Maritime workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) Comrade Francis Bunu Abi represented by the Vice President, Comrade Boniface Udoh applauded the outcome of the election insisting that it was a new dawn and history has been made in the Maritime workers Union of Nigeria Shipping Branch.
Comrade Bunu said that the election underscored the essence of the formation of the union in the first place adding that workers welfare has remained the utmost priority of the union emphasizing that “without the welfare of our members we have no business being here.”
He charged the District Chairmen and their executives to always ensure synergy and collaboration with the units, for effective running of the union.
Admonishing them on training and retraining, the Maritime workers Union boss insisted the basic knowledge of the industry was required for them to move forward saying “you can’t give what you don’t have”
Continuing, he maintained that for them to move forward in the industry, they require the basic knowledge.
“Maritime industry is so large, including the Marine and Blue Economy. You must have the requisite knowledge for you to navigate it” he said.
“For those of you at the Quay Apron, you must know how to handle containers, the ones at the front desk must know how to treat Customers including those taking care of documentations among others, there must be synergy between you and government officials like Customs, immigration, NAFDAC, NDLEA, SON among others.”
“The essence is to ensure customer satisfaction hence if you don’t handle them well, they might run away” he emphasized.
Contributing, the President, Shipping Branch of Maritime workers Union, Comrade Abass Olufemi, said that the election was free and fair.
He added that everybody was given an opportunity to air his view.
He described the election as historic and enjoined the elected officers to always work together.
He lauded the outgoing district executives even as he urged the incoming ones to leverage on the successes recorded by their predecessors.
He charged them to work with synergy and collaboration while respecting the management of their various companies.
On their relationship with the management,he noted his members have consistently maintained cordial relationship with their various managements, saying ” before now ,people see unionists as touts but today I can tell you that what we have now are professionals, educated and highly experienced and well coordinated people who are here in Nigeria and abroad.”
Some of the newly elected District executives include: Onne District – Engr Com. Raymond Nwawueze, District Chairman, Com. Gordon Braide, vice Chairman, comrade Asito Precious, Secretary, Com. Godfrey Nkpoiwi (NEC), Com. Paul Otobgoro Treasurer, Com. Ebere Akagha (Special Rep.) Com. Emmanuel Ogbom Assist Secretary and Com. Golden Owiriwa organizing Secretary.
In Warri, the following persons emerged winners – Com. Cecilia Ifeoma Omiyor – Chairman, Com. Believe Olaye – Vice Chairman, Com. Emeka Ignatius – Secretary Com. Anthony Aminomo – Asst, Secretary, Com. Stanley Enotue – (NEC), Com. Stephen Akpara – Treasurer and Com. Chidiebere Amadi – Special Female Rep.
For Port Harcourt District, comrade Adolphus Onyinye Agumagu emerged victorious as the District Chairman among others.
Speaking on behalf of the newly sworn in District executives, the Onne District Chairman Com. Raymond Nwawueze thanked the Almighty God for what he described as a successful delegate election.
He added that the national executive has demonstrated an unweaving commitment to the advancement of the shipping branch by ensuring a hitch free election even as expressed gratitude to the national President of Maritime workers Union of Nigeria Com. Francis Bunu, his Vice, Com. Boniface Udoh, the President Shipping Branch, Com. Abass Olufemi and all the management team of the Maritime workers Union.
He promised to run an open- door and inclusive government insisting that all hands must be on deck to move the union forward adding that the new executives would draw from the experiences of their predecessors to improve the working conditions of their members while ensuring a seamless and harmonious working relationship with their various management.
Present at the event was the Managing Director/ CEO of Olamartek Global Services Ltd, Hon. Martin O. Olaka who gave a Goodwill message among others.
By Bon Peters
