Ahead of the forthcoming electiion of Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria, Comrade Francis Bunu, has become the leading contender with a flood of stakeholders endorsements
Stakeholders in the affairs of Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria(MWUN) have unanimously queued behind Francis Bunu as the next man to succeed Comrade Adewale Adeyanju as President General of the Union.
From its four branches – The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) Branch; Dockworkers Branch; Shipping Branch and Seafarers Branch, it’s been full support for Bunu.
This is also backed by direct endorsements of former Presidents General of the Union and other thought leaders who have influence in its affairs.
The former Union leaders have received Bunu in their various homes and expressed their unequivocal support for him as the best man for the job to replace Adeyanju
Pioneer President General of MWUN, Com. Uzoije Ukaumunna; forner National President of Dockworkers Union,Com. Joshua Ogunleye,; the Union’s former PGs, Com. Onikolease Irabor, and Com. Emmanuel Anthony Nted have spoken with one voice, all for Bunu
Bunu who is from the Seafarers Branch is stepping up to take the office for the first time and in accordance with the Union’s rotation principle hinged on fairness and in line with their constitution.
Findings show that shipping and seafarers branches have never produced PGs of the Union as previous occupants of the office were either from NPA or Dockworkers branches
After Bunu, it’s the turn of Shipping. That’s a fact, a statement of fact as incoming PG will not alter the constitution to favour one branch indefinitely.
Comrade Ifeanyi Mazeli, President of the NPA Branch of MWUN, who had indicated interest in the office has stepped down for Bunu, Mazeli commended Adeyanju for his leadership and the stability he has brought to the union.
Mazeli revealed that he stepped down after extensive consultations with the former PG, Comrade Tony Nted, and the plea by the current Dockworkers’ Branch President, Comrade Tajudeen Ohize.
According to him, their discussions, alongside his belief in Adeyanju’s leadership, convinced him to withdraw from the race.
“I had serious conversations with Comrade Tony Nted and Comrade Tajudeen Ohize, who, since I declared my intention, had weighed on me to step down. I believe in the leadership of our President-General, and that is why I took the decision,” Mazeli stated.
He assured that the NPA Branch would give its full support to Comrade Francis Bunu.
The President of the Seafarers’ Branch, Comrade Sunday Avoseh, expressed gratitude to Adeyanju for trusting the branch. He highlighted that under Adeyanju’s leadership, the Seafarers’ Branch had transformed, particularly with the success of Minimum standard of payment in the branch that improved members’ welfare.
He said “Our present leader is a man that loves justice, equity, and fairness. The owners of this union sat and made the constitution and said henceforth, the position of the President-General must be rotational.
“And we, following the will of the founders of this union, the veterans and leaders of this union, stand in position to work with him.
“That is why today, if you take a look at this union, you will see that there is a branch that is next in line to produce the next PG.
“Bunu will not disappoint,” Avoseh assured, emphasizing the branch’s commitment to maintaining the integrity and progress of the union.Similarly, the Dockworkers’ Branch President, Com. Tajudeen Ohize praised Adeyanju’s leadership, acknowledging the stability and development recorded under his tenure.
