By Bon Peters
PORT HARCOURT/Nigeria: The Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN), Shipping Branch, has elected new District Executives for its Eastern Zone—which comprises Warri, Port Harcourt and Onne—to steer the affairs of the union for the next four years. The election, held on Tuesday, December 9, in Port Harcourt, brought together delegates from all the affected districts.
The exercise was described as peaceful and devoid of the rancour often associated with union polls, as all candidates emerged unopposed—a development many stakeholders hailed as a sign of unity and renewed camaraderie within the union.
Speaking shortly after the election, the National President of MWUN, Comrade Francis Bunu Abi, represented by the Vice President, Comrade Boniface Udoh, applauded the smooth conduct of the process, describing it as “a new dawn” for the Shipping Branch. He said the outcome reflected the union’s founding principles, emphasising that the welfare of workers remained its core priority.
“Without the welfare of our members, we have no business being here,” Comrade Bunu said, urging the new district leaders to foster synergy and collaboration with their units for effective administration.
He stressed the importance of continuous capacity building for union officials, noting that the maritime and blue economy sectors demand technical knowledge and professional conduct. “You cannot give what you don’t have,” he said, adding that workers handling cargo, documentation or customer service must understand their roles and work harmoniously with government agencies such as Customs, Immigration, NAFDAC, NDLEA and SON.
President of the Shipping Branch, Comrade Abass Olufemi, described the election as historic, adding that every delegate was given an opportunity to express their views. He praised the outgoing executives and urged the newly elected officers to build on their successes while maintaining cordial relationships with their various managements.
“Before now, people saw unionists as touts, but today we have professionals—educated, experienced and well-coordinated—both here in Nigeria and abroad,” he noted.
Those elected across the districts include:
Onne District:
Engr. Comrade Raymond Nwawueze (Chairman), Comrade Gordon Braide (Vice Chairman), Comrade Asito Precious (Secretary), Comrade Godfrey Nkpoiwi (NEC), Comrade Paul Otobgoro (Treasurer), Comrade Ebere Akagha (Special Representative), Comrade Emmanuel Ogbom (Assistant Secretary), Comrade Golden Owiriwa (Organising Secretary).
Warri District:
Comrade Cecilia Ifeoma Omiyor (Chairman), Comrade Believe Olaye (Vice Chairman), Comrade Emeka Ignatius (Secretary), Comrade Anthony Aminomo (Assistant Secretary), Comrade Stanley Enotue (NEC), Comrade Stephen Akpara (Treasurer), Comrade Chidiebere Amadi (Special Female Representative).
Port Harcourt District:
Comrade Adolphus Onyinye Agumagu (District Chairman) and others.
Speaking on behalf of the newly sworn-in officers, the Onne District Chairman, Engr. Comrade Raymond Nwawueze, thanked God for what he described as a successful delegate election. He commended the national leadership for its unwavering commitment to the growth of the Shipping Branch and promised to run an open-door, inclusive administration focused on improving workers’ conditions.
He pledged that the new executives would learn from their predecessors as they work towards strengthening unity and ensuring harmonious relationships with management across the maritime sector.
The event also featured goodwill messages from stakeholders, including the Managing Director/CEO of Olamartek Global Services Ltd, Hon. Martin O. Olaka.
