MWUN celebrates pioneer president, moves to rehabilitate past leaders

...As Adeyanju preaches peace, forgiveness

The Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) on Thursday celebrated its pioneer president, Comrade Uzoije Ukaummunna, alongside a former Deputy President General, Comrade Rasaki Bakare, marking a significant step towards reconciliation with past leaders and fostering unity within the union.

Speaking at the ceremony held at the union’s secretatiat in Apapa, MWUN President-General, Comrade Adewale Adeyanju, said the celebration of Ukaummunna mark an end to the 23-year-old crisis within the union.

Recall that Ukaummunna, was unceremoniously removed from office by the government for opposing the port reforms, a development which led to crisis within the Union.

Adeyanju recalled the violent struggles of the past that resulted in casualties and called for collective unity against external forces that might seek to divide the union.

He emphasized the importance of learning from past mistakes and prioritizing peace over conflict.

He said, “Let’s learn from what happened to us 23 years ago in the wilderness. The government will always be the government. They will want to use you against your leaders of the same Union, but now we have learned that this will not happen to us again.”

The MWUN PG also reiterated call for forgiveness just as he urged members to unite and collaborate to
MWUN to international recognition.

He commended Ukaummunna as a mentor who contributed to the union’s success and affirmed the commitment to celebrating and supporting all past leaders.

Adeyanju also announced the initiation of a rehabilitation process for past leaders, emphasizing the significance of recognizing the contributions of leaders who have shaped the Union’s history.

He said the rehabilitation process, initiated three weeks ago, aims to reconnect leaders who have been absent for two to three decades, ensuring they understand the contemporary challenges and developments within the maritime industry.

Adeyanju underscored the commitment to reach out to these leaders, acknowledging their age and inability to actively contribute, while assuring that the Union’s constitution provides mechanisms to address their needs.

In his response, Ukaummunna commended Adeyanju for his unwavering efforts in establishing peace within the Union.

He not only praised Adeyanju’s commitment to reconciliation but also pleaded for forgiveness among the members, emphasizing that he has also forgiven all those that offended him.

Addressing the Union members, Ukaummunna highlighted Adeyanju’s notable contributions and innovations that have brought positive transformations to the Union.

He acknowledged the improvements in the Union’s infrastructure, which he attributed to Adeyanju’s leadership.

Reflecting on the challenges faced during the struggle to protect the interests of the workers, Ukaummunna acknowledged that the commitment to protecting workers’ welfare led to him being labeled as a “violent leader.”

He emphasized that leadership requires resilience and a willingness to fight for the well-being of one’s people.

“The struggle that brought us this far was not easy. We know the suffering we endured. I have forgiven you all, you all should forgive me too,” Ukaummunna concluded, emphasizing the importance of unity, forgiveness, and collective progress within MWUN.

Photo caption:

L-R: President General, Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria ( MWUN), Comrade Adewale Adeyanju; pioneer president, MWUN, Comrade Uzoije Ukaummunna, and Deputy President General, Comrade Rasak Bakare at a reunion to celebrate Ukaummunna at the union’s secretariat in Lagos on Thursday.