By Roland Ekama
Ahead of the 2025 elections, Pioneer President General of the Maritime Workers’ Union of Nigeria (MWUN), Comrade Uzoije Ukaumuna on Tuesday, February 4th 2025, endorsed Comrade Francis Bunu Abi as the next President General .
The endorsement by Comrade Ukaumuna was made in Lagos, when a- high powered delegate from the MWUN led by the incumbent P-G , Comrade Adewale Adeyanju paid a courtesy visit to the former boss.
Speaking, the pioneer President General re-echoed to the ears of Bunu not to betray himself or the system but to be wise as a leader and unionist .
Ukaumuna who also called on members of the union to rally support for Comrade Francis Bunu , admonished the current Deputy President General MWUN (Bunu) to ensure that the maritime sector witness industry peace and harmony when elected into office.
The former P-G urged Bunu to work closely with active and past leaders in line with decision making when elected into office, saying that the MWUN has an historic tradition whereby current leadership consult veterans on the best ways of consensuses.
According to him, Bunu endorsement is a clear indications of better things to come if elected as the next President General, adding that the union’s decision to rally support for him, was devoid of sentiments, tribalism or favoritism.
He commended the leadership style of Comrade Adewale Adeyanju in the progresses recorded for the welfare of workers and the relative peace and harmony in port operations, stating that Adeyanju successes was hinged on the foundations built by past President Generals of MWUN.
A cross section of the union leaders also took turn to endorse Comrade Bunu as their next president general , even as they affirmed that he has been tested and trusted.
Earlier in his remarks, Adeyanju stated that the union has consulted the two branches supposedly to produce the next President , but added that Seamen and Water Transport Workers Branch was accepted by all.
Adeyanju stated that the visit to the Ajao Estate resident of the pioneer P-G was to intimate him about the forthcoming elections, adding that leadership tradition of MWUN was centred on continuity.
Apparently concerned about the welfare of founding fathers of the foremost Nigerian Labour Congress NLC affiliate Adeyanju stated that the union will continue to hold past leaders in high esteem, whilst noting that the former PG deserves to be acknowledged for his immense dedication and contribution to the growth of MWUN.
Adeyanju added that the union will continue to consult with veterans who have contributed to the success story , saying that Ukamunna is one of those founding fathers of Maritime unionism in the country.
During the visit , Comrade Adeyanju was accompanied by Deputy President General, MWUN, NPA Branch, Comrade Harry Tonye, Dockworkers Branch President, Ibrahim Ohize,Vice President General,Comrade Abubakar Bello, President of the Seamen and Water Transport Branch, Comrade Sunday Avoseh, Treasurer, NPA Branch, Comrade Bamidele Ajayi and Dockworkers Branch Treasurer, Esho Mukhaila Lawal
Others are Chairmen, Dockworker’s Districts MWUN, Comrade Wole Adetumi,Sharafadeen Oguntoyibo, Moses Osagie, and Wasiu Olarenwaju.
The WMUN election is billed to hold on the 28th of March 2025 in Lagos.
