MWUN ELECTION: Dockworkers, Seafarers’, NPA Branches Endorse Francis Bunu For President General

By Roland Ekama 

Ahead of the 2025 Maritime Workers’ Union of Nigeria (MWUN) elections, national officers and delegates from the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) , Dockworkers ; and Seamen & Water Transport Workers Branches of the union, have endorsed Comrade Francis Bunu as the next President General .

A cross section of the delegates and national executives on Friday in Lagos , passed vote of confidence to the current Deputy President General who is vying for the number one position of the MWUN..

While unveiling their choice candidate to the incumbent President General, MWUN, Comrade Adewale Adeyanju, they affirmed that Bunu has been tested and trusted from all ramifications in line with union and labour related activities.

Speaking at a joint meeting put together by the seamen and dockworkers branches, held in Lagos, President, Dockworkers Branch MWUN, Comrade Ohize Tajudeen Ibrahim stated that the union operates in a scientific methodology, therefore Comrade Bunu stands for continuity.

Ohize reiterated that dockworkers are fully in support for Bunu to emerge as the next President General of MWUN, adding that all hands must be on deck to encourage him.

According to him, the era of thuggery and hooliganism no longer exist in the union and port operations , hence, Comrade Bunu wears the cap that fit all.

He noted that delegates from the dockworkers branch are united in the forthcoming elections saying, that the seamen branch deserved the top position

Ohize called on members of the branch to go all out and canvass for more support from the two other branches of the union noting that leadership entails continuity .

The Branch President stated that the election would be devoid of tribal sentiments , even as he called on other branches of the MWUN to align with the vision of Comrade Francis Bunu.

He stated that”This time around I want to reassure you all that we are not a selfish group and we will abide by the constitution of MWUN. The love for seafarers’ is in our hearts as dockworkers and we will continue to solidify for the vision ahead”,Ohize added.

He congratulated the seafarers’ branch for presenting someone who has the interest of workers at heart to lead noting that the seamen group has also taken the MWUN to international standards .

Also speaking, President , Seamen and Water Transport Workers, Branch, of the MWUN, Comrade Sunday Avoseh affirmed that a total of 37 delegates from the branch were invited for the joint meeting to show solidarity support for Bunu as next PG.

Avoseh reiterated that 28 of the delegates came all the way from outstations of the branch , as part of measures to show solidarity for Bunu emergence.

He described the seafarers’ and dockworkers relationship as cordial and purposeful, with a view to share the same vision for the next leader of the union.

The Branch President expressed satisfaction over the performance of Comrade Bunu while in office as Branch President of Seamen and Water Transport Workers , MWUN.

He pointed out that”We know that some people are also interested in the number position of MWUN but we will not break our ranks and that is why we bring all our delegates to show solidarity with the dockworkers for our incoming president general .

“Bunu is the person we all love, he is the person we believe in and he is the person we will support”,Avoseh stressed.

On his part, Deputy President General, MWUN, Comrade Tonye Harry reiterated that NPA workers are solidly behind Bunu’s project and emergence as President General of the union.

Harry who represented the Nigerian Ports Authority NPA Branch, MWUN , described Bunu as a consistent individual who always prioritize workers welfare.

He stressed that nobody from NPA Branch of the union has indicated interest to contest with Bunu adding that the Comrade Adewale Adeyanju led administration was able to ensure that the President General slot is rotational among the four branches of MWUN

The DPG noted that “We want somebody that can do even better than the incumbent and Bunu has the capacity to improve on what is on ground.

Comrade Francis Bunu (m) flanked by Branch President,Seamen Water Transport Workers Branch, Comrade Sunday Avoseh and Abdul Eroje as the meeting held in Lagos.

Other national officers of MWUN who took turn to expressed satisfaction and solidarity support for Comrade Francis Bunu described him as the right candidate for the job, even as they declared 100% support for his emergence as PG.

Whilst responding , incumbent President General MWUN Comrade Adewale Adeyanju stated the union is intact and that there is no form of rancour or factions.

Adeyanju said leadership is about all learning and commitment,noting that the system required someone that is dedicated and hardworking.

He maintained continuity was key in the sustainability of the MWUN pointing out that empowerment and encouragement must be upheld for the betterment of members of the union.

The election is slated to hold on the 28 of March 2025 in Lagos State.