By Bon Peters
PORT HARCOURT/Nigeria: The Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN), Shipping Branch, Onne, Rivers State, has successfully elected a new set of executives to steer the affairs of its various units for the next four years, following a peaceful and transparent electoral process.
The election, held on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, reflected the collective resolve of affiliate members to strengthen representation and advance the welfare of workers across the shipping units operating within the Onne axis.
Supervised by the District Chairman of the MWUN Shipping Branch, Comrade Nwawueze Raymond, the exercise was conducted under the watchful presence of delegates, sister unions and independent observers. The process, which adopted an open-ballot system, was widely commended for its transparency and absence of rancour.
Addressing members from key units including West African Container Terminal (WACT), Brawal Shipping, Maersk Line and CMA CGM, Comrade Nwawueze explained that the election was in line with the vision of the National President of the MWUN Shipping Branch, Comrade Abass Olufemi, as well as the union’s constitutional requirement to periodically renew leadership at the unit level.
He emphasized that the elected executives are expected to serve as ambassadors of the union, promoting discipline, professionalism, diligence and constructive engagement with management across the various companies.
Describing the exercise as “divinely orchestrated,” Nwawueze assured contestants and voters of a level playing field. “This election will be free, fair and credible and will be by open ballot. Nobody will be short-changed, and whoever emerges will reflect the wishes of the members,” he stated, urging participants to conduct themselves peacefully as the contest was “not a do-or-die affair.”
The District Chairman also commended the management of the participating companies for providing an enabling environment for workers to freely exercise their franchise, pledging sustained collaboration between labour and management.
At the end of the exercise, which featured both keenly contested and unopposed positions, winners emerged across all units.
At WACT, Comrade Laaka Solomon was elected Chairman, with Comrade Seleka Sotonye as Vice Chairman, Comrade God Knows M. Itelima as Secretary, Comrade Kingsley Osaroeke as Assistant Secretary and Comrade Gilbert Dumdibabari Chris as Treasurer.
In Brawal Shipping, Comrade Mathew Emmanuel emerged Chairman, alongside Comrade Henry Emordi Atashia as Vice Chairman, Comrade Daju Emmanuel as Secretary, Comrade Osadebe Azubuke as Assistant Secretary and Comrade Aliu Adolphus as Treasurer.
CMA CGM Shipping produced Comrade Akomas Dikachi as Chairman, Comrade Okagha Ebere as Secretary and Comrade Opus Lilian as Treasurer.
At Maersk Line, Comrade John Nedum Osakwe was elected Chairman, with Comrade Sampson Gbeneteh Jimmy as Vice Chairman, Comrade Ogobue Happiness Ogochukwu as Secretary and Comrade Blessing E. Lawrence Ita as Treasurer.
Speaking to journalists shortly after his emergence, the newly elected Chairman of the WACT Unit, Comrade Laaka Solomon, expressed gratitude to God and commended the electoral process, describing it as free, fair and credible.
“I will leverage on my District executive to ensure that those of us working with WACT get what is rightly due to us. This election is about the welfare of all, and I call on everyone to unite as we move the union forward,” he said, pledging to sustain cordial relations between workers and management.
Other elected chairmen also praised the conduct of the election and pledged loyalty to both the union leadership and their respective management teams, while committing to prioritise workers’ welfare.
In her remarks, the Branch Manager of CMA CGM Nigeria Shipping Limited, Onne, Mrs. Yvonne Odiete, expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the election, describing the workers as a cohesive team.
“We work together here as a family. I appreciate the support of the union in ensuring that work remains a priority. What happened today is commendable, and the election went successfully without any negative report,” she said.
Odiete further reaffirmed management’s commitment to continued collaboration with the union, noting that both parties share a common goal of organisational growth and productivity.
The election climaxed with the swearing-in of the newly elected executives by Comrade Nwawueze Raymond.
Dignitaries present at the event included the Vice Chairman of the MWUN District Shipping Branch, Comrade Gordons Braid; District Secretary, Comrade Precious Asito; Treasurer, Comrade Paul Otogboro; NEC Member, Comrade Godfrey Nkpornwi; immediate past District Chairman, Comrade Tonye Paul Worika; and Chairman of NAGAFF Onne, Dr. Ike Okechukwu, among others.
