MWUN Makes Historical Reconciliation With Ukaummuna’s Re -integration
MWUN Makes Historical Reconciliation With Ukaummuna’s Re -integration
… praises Adeyanju for his transformational leadership
…seeks N1.5m minimum wage for dockworkers
… PG Emeritus goes sanctimonious with prayers for Adeyanju, Union, as he’s decorated
… Adeyanju says, today’s event marks an end, to violence and conflicts, in the Union
By Jerry Aguigbo
The Maritime Workers’ Union of Nigeria went a gog yesterday with an epoch making home coming and all important re- integration of PG emeritus, Uzoije Ukaummunna, 23 years after as the pioneer President of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria ( MWUN) on Thursday,15 February,2024, when he was lavishly hosted by the incumbent president of the Union,Dr.(Prince) Adewale Adeyanju, at its Headquarters in Olodi Apapa, Lagos.
Ukaummuna, fondly referred as “the Lion” in his time because of his temperament, proactive and hands-on style of leadership was warmly received by the teeming members of the union,showed he still commands large followership ,as he was accompanied to the visit by large number of his loyalist ,had one message :peace and forgiveness.
The Pioneer PG,who was overwhelmed by the occasion, became adroitly philosophical and sanctimonious, as he began his address with praises and worship to God, even as he appealed to all to learn to forgive one another.
He did not hesitate to ask for forgiveness from those he may have wronged in the past and in the line of duty, as he has forgiven those who wronged him.
Ukaummuna also praised Dr Adeyanju for the massive transformation of the union., as he canvassed N1.5 million as minimum wage for dockworkers , arguing that the dockworkers are the engine room of the nation’s economy.
He noted that dockworkers are underpaid by employers of labour in the maritime industry, adding that the Nigerian dockers are not paid properly when compared with global standard.
The PG asserted that the union plays a major role in the economic growth of the nation ,and workers like the dockers must be rewarded with the right remuneration
He said the port is the gateway to the nation’s economic , adding that dockworkers are critical to the day to day running of maritime business.
Ukaummuna affirmed that MWUN is not a violent organisation, but a union that jealousy protects its rights, one that does not allow its right to be trampled on.
His words, “A Leader must struggle,if you want to make a mark.You don’t allow people to push you around.You know your right and you stick to it,and they say you are violent.When you have a docile and inactive ‘,ba mi so fun’ leader,they will be pushing you around “.
Going further he said,” We are one family,no body will divide us again.
There is no place where you don’t have misunderstanding,but what is important is how you manage the crisis. ” He stressed.
Furthermore, Ukaummuna vigorously noted that the incumbent President General, Dr (Prince) Adeyanju has done a yeoman’s Job. He however, appealed to the members to allow him do ,” the little God has called him to do”, admonishing the members to ” wait for your turn”.
The former PG also expressed satisfaction with the achievements recorded so far by the Comrade Adewale Adeyanju led MWUN.
He commended the Adeyanju led administration for uniting the four branches of the union even as he prayed for favour , progress and prosperity for members of the union.
Earlier on in his welcome address, incumbent President General,prince Adeyanju commended the former PG for his immense contributions to the maritime industry, the union and workers welfare.
According to him, leaders are born with different kinds of idea.
” What we are doing here today is to announce to the whole world that this is the end of crisis in the union.
There is therefore the need to build MWUN to the standard that could be recognised all over the world”. he said.
Adding that, ” We are not ‘agbe ero’ or violent workers as they used to call us.We are peaceful maritime workers.we shall not be used again against ourselves”.
” I was part of the struggle 23 years ago.A struggle that claimed lives of some of our members ,but today,that struggle has come to an end, additing that you gain nothing from crisis ,rather you loose your credibility “he stressed.
He warmed those he referred to as sycophants,who always pitch the members against themselves that the game is over.
He called for synergy among the four branches of the union,adding that togetherness will take the union to greater heights
Adeyanju who referred to the 82 years old former President General of the union as a’ lion’ went memory lane, as he noted that Ukaummuna took him out of poverty, while he was the PG of the union.
” We believe in the welfare of the members,to that end we have begun the rehabilitation of our former leaders,and that commenced three weeks ago.” Adeyanju informed.
Giving further clarification on what he meant by ‘rehabilitation ‘ ,he said some of the former leaders have left the port and the industry for over 23 years,and as such may not have grasp of the present state of the port and its activities.
” Some of our past leaders are now old ,there is need to support them in whatever way we can” he said.
Speaking also ,former President of the Dockworkers Branch, Comrade Bakare Rasaki Adekunle, enjoined members of the union to shun any form of violence and embrace peace, stressing that violence does not pay.
He described the former PG,whom he had a running battle in the dark days of the union as a visionary and and courageous man .
The event which witnessed large turn out of members was marked with pump and pageantry,as it was almost turned to a prayer session,as the former PG called out Dr.Adeyanju and poured fatherly blessings on him,and also prayed for all who love peace and forgiveness.
High point of the event was the re- integration ,decoration and awards to the following: Comrade Uzoije Ukaummuna,Rasaki Adekunle- Bakare,and Chuks Egbuna,who was decorated for his loyalty to the former PG, Ukaummuna.
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