A REJOINDER: MARITIME WORKERS UNION OF NIGERIA REJOINDER TO SHIP & PORTS PUBLICATION.
The attention of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) has been drawn to an article titled “MWUN Presidency: Eight Aspirants Jostle to Succeed Adeyanju Amidst Government, Financial Influences” published by “Ports & Ships” magazine on January 6, 2025.
While we acknowledge the importance of an informed public discourse on matters affecting our esteemed union, we find it necessary to address the inaccuracies, baseless claims, and sensationalism contained in the said publication.
First and foremost, it is important to clarify that the union has only recently lifted the ban on campaigns starting from 6th January, 2025, and forms for aspirants to declare their intention to contest have yet to be issued out.
Consequently, the publication’s detailed analysis of purported candidates and their alleged strategies is both premature and misleading. It is regrettable that “Ships & Ports”, a respectable outlet, would propagate unverified information from a nameless individual, thereby heating up the polity of our union and the maritime sector unnecessarily.
Secondly, the claim that financial resources and government influence will dictate the outcome of the forthcoming election is both laughable and baseless and we wonder where the writer got his/her information from. MWUN remains a democratically run organization guided by its constitution. The union’s tradition provides for a free and fair delegates’ conference, devoid of external interference or monetary inducement. To suggest otherwise undermines the credibility of our electoral process and disrespects the integrity of our members.
MWUN operates on the principles of equity and unity, and its leadership is determined through democratic means. Any aspirant’s eligibility will be assessed and determined based on the guidelines enshrined in our constitution and not on the speculative and disruptive arguments presented in the said publication.
We also take exception to the reference to the supposition that MWUN allows the interference of our past leaders to determine our leadership as this negates the spirit of the foundation of discipline and respect for rules and law which they worked tirelessly to lay and which still drives our objectives.
We however thank the writer for recognizing the good record that Comrade Adewale Adeyanju, the incumbent President-General, has maintained through his leadership by holding a neutral stance and ensuring a level playing field for all. Any claim suggesting otherwise are a construction intended to create division within the union.
MWUN is committed to upholding its legacy of transparent and inclusive governance, as exemplified during Comrade Adeyanju’s tenure. We urge “Ships & Ports” and other media outlets to prioritize accuracy and impartiality in their reportage. The union’s leadership election is not a political circus but a structured process designed to reflect the will of its members.
In conclusion, we call on the media to desist from publishing unverified reports that could undermine the unity and stability of MWUN and industrial peace in the maritime sector. We remain focused on ensuring a seamless transition of leadership that prioritizes the welfare of our members and the continued progress of the maritime industry.
Comrade John Kennedy Ikemefuna,
Media Head, Deputy Secretary General.
