By Bon Peters
PORT HARCOURT/Nigeria: The Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN), Haulage District, Eastern Zone, Onne, Rivers State, on Monday staged a peaceful protest to refute allegations of connivance and extortion linked to the introduction of the Electronic Truck Call-Up (E-Call Up) system at Onne Port.
The protest, which began at the Federal Ocean Terminal (FOT) Roundabout and moved through the Federal Lighter Terminal (FLT) before ending at the Notore Roundabout, featured union members dressed in white attire, singing solidarity songs and dancing as they demonstrated their displeasure over what they described as “malicious and unfounded accusations.”
Speaking to journalists at the FLT Gate of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) Onne complex, Executive Chairman of the MWUN Haulage District, Eastern Ports, Comrade Ugwu Adolphus, said the allegations were made by a group identified as the Active Containers and Cargo Truck Drivers Association, whom he dismissed as disgruntled elements after the rollout of the E-Call Up system.
“The purpose of our coming here today is to put the record straight and debunk insinuations spreading on social media that MWUN connived with NPA to defraud drivers through the E-Call Up,” Ugwu said. “There is no extortion. Our union fees range between N5,000 and N10,000 and are fully receipted nationwide.”
He explained that the union had no authority to halt a federal government policy but had earlier expressed reservations to NPA over the necessity of the system at Onne Port, given its minimal congestion. He alleged that some individuals had pressured him to frustrate the implementation, a move he resisted, stressing that the union could not override federal directives.
Addressing welfare concerns, Ugwu challenged critics to provide evidence of neglect, noting that the union regularly supports members with medical care, hospital bills, burial assistance and support for permanently disabled workers.
Also speaking, Chairman of Truck Owners within MWUN, Comrade Uche Ogbu, said the union was founded on integrity and remains committed to protecting the rights and privileges of members. He noted that haulage fees negotiated for the Eastern Zone were robust and beneficial to drivers.
“Union cannot stop government policy; we can only negotiate,” Ogbu stressed, adding that Onne currently pays N15,000 for the E-Call Up system, unlike Lagos.
Unit Secretary of MWUN Truck Owners, Comrade Casmir Anukanti, said part of the protest was to pass a vote of confidence in the Ugwu-led administration, insisting that his achievements could not be diminished through false accusations.
A vote of confidence was subsequently passed on Ugwu.
The protesters later met with NPA Traffic Manager, Mr. Surajudeen Abolade, who represented the Port Manager, Mr. Abdulramon Hussain. Abolade praised the peaceful conduct of the march and assured the union’s message would be conveyed to management, while urging them to maintain order and avoid disrupting business operations.
Some drivers who spoke to the media described the accusations against Ugwu and his executive as “cheap blackmail,” insisting that anyone claiming poor welfare should provide proof. They warned those behind the allegations to desist and stop distracting the union.
The protest ended without incident, with the union maintaining its stance that it supports federal policy but will continue to defend the interests of its members.
