MWUN 2025: Why I Stepped Down To Support Comrade Bunu – NPA Branch President, Mazeli

President , Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) Branch of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN), and one of the contenders for the position of President General in the MWUN election, Comrade Ifeanyi Mazeli said his decision to step down from the race was influenced by the advice of former President General of the Union, Comrade Anthony Nted and other leaders in the Union.

Mazeli stated this on Friday while addressing supporters and members of the Union drawn from all the four branches- Dockworkers, NPA, Seafarers and Shipping who converged at Golden Tulip hotel in Festac for the flag-off campaign of Comrade Francis Bunu.

His words, “I’m not a bastard because it is only a bastard that the parents will talk to that will not listen. I want to thank all the leaders in the Union especially the PG Emeritus, Comrade Tony Nted who called me and explained certain things to me on why I have to drop whatever ambition I have.

“Today is a special day because we want to unveil our leader. I am here in person to prove to you that all the things that were said were lies. The President General, Comrade Adewale Adeyanju remains our leader anytime any day.” Mazeli while declaring his support for Bunu spoke on his personal relationship with him, stating that since he joined the Union, Bunu has never insulted him.

According to him, part of his decision to step down was out of respect for Bunu and the Union.

He said, ” Since I joined MWUN, Bunu has never insulted me. So if people ask me to step down for Bunu and I fail to do that, it means I’m the one insulting him. Since he has not insulted me I will not insult him.”

The NPA President emphasized that MWUN is a respected institution in the industry and deserves peaceful leadership transition. He also expressed gratitude to the President of Dockworkers Branch, Comrade Ibrahim Ohize and Chief Executive Officer of Micura Stevedoring Services, Chief Micheal Obogu for their support, promising to continue to serve the interest of the Union.

Responding, President General of the Union, Comrade Adewale Adeyanju thanked Mazeli for his decision, which according to him, will pave the way for a smooth transition.

Adeyanju says, “I believe the Union is where Mazeli belongs. He came down to me and told me has stepped down. He deserves more respect because he has paved way for me to move the system forward and give you new executives.” He noted that another major contender, Comrade Uche Igwe Onu would have been present at the flag- off campaign for Bunu but was engaged elsewhere.

Adeyanju, while reaffirming his confidence in Bunu assured that he will not handover the leadership of the Union to those he described as marketers who lack commitment to worker’s welfare.

The MWUN election is scheduled to take place on March 28, 2025.