MWUN: Adeyanju vows non- interference with Bunu’s administration, calls for stakeholders support

The outgoing President General, Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) Comrade Adewale Adeyanju, has assured that his chosen successor, Francis Bunu will have full independence to run the affairs of the Union.

Speaking at a valedictory press briefing in Lagos on Friday, Adeyanju vowed not to interfere with the administration of the incoming President General, maintaining that Bunu would be allowed to chart his own course.

He, however, noted that he can only offer advice when requested just as he called for support from stakeholders.

His words, “My idea might be different from the person coming. So what is left for the precedessor is to respect himself. I did not put somebody there to rubber stamp him or to remote him. The person that put me here and supported me never rubber stamped me or remote me for any actions that I took.

“So don’t compare me with Wike and the incoming PG with Fubara. I don’t think we are going to envisage that kind of influence. We are different. We are not politicians. We are unionists.

“I can only offer advice as a former president general. Even at the level of NLC, we can only offer advice on how to manage the system. But for us telling them you must do it like this or like that, I won’t do that. We must allow the young to grow, ”

Adeyanju expressed confidence in Bunu’s capabilities, describing him as a seasoned labour activist who will build upon the foundation laid during his eight- year tenure.

“The person coming is a seasoned labour activist as well and I believe he won’t disappoint the industry. My prayer for him is to do more than me. Not me teleguiding him on how to run the system. He’s going to have good executives that will support him, ” he said.

Adeyanju also expressed gratitude to maritime journalists for their support throughout his tenure and urged them to extend same support to his successor.

“I want to appreciate all the journalists in the maritime sector for supporting the good work we are doing since my eight years in office.

“We cannot be celebrated without the press. Whatever good things that everybody is saying about Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria today it is from you guys, who have contributed to the success story.

“I hope this kind of support will be extended to the incoming administration,” he said.

Speaking on some of the milestones achieved during his tenure, Adeyanju identified the transformation of MWUN, particularly the reforms within the dockworkers branch and the industrial peace in the maritime industry as his most cherished achievements.

He also highlighted negotiations for improved welfare across all branches of the Union – Dockworkers, Shipping, Seafarers and Nigerian Ports Authority as key achievements.

He said, “When I came in eight years ago, I think the first thing I need to do is to make sure that the office of Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria should not be called headquarters of touts any longer. And you can see we have transformed.

“We started with the Dockworkers branch because there were no rules and standard at the time. But we’ve changed the narrative from the way they normally call us as touts and that was why we have the collective bargaining agreements.

“Even in shipping, too, we don’t have standards. What you have there was plan-by-plan negotiations. They can sit down with any employer and negotiate whatever amount they believe is for the workers in shipping.

“So when we came on board, we introduced what we call a state of emergency in shipping. Because the workers in shipping were not well-paid while the companies are making a hell of a lot of money by increasing their tariff. But today, we now have what we call a minimum standard in shipping.

“The average worker take -home is N 200,000. unlike before that it was N20,000.

“The seafarers have their NJIC as well, both locally and globally. And we have had improvements on their wages.

“Then you talk of NPA, The salary and wages of the workers in NPA was not paid for almost 18 years. But now
they’ve reviewed the salary of NPA. And as I’m talking to you now, they are about rounding up reviewing the salary proper.

“So we’ve touched all the four branches.
And so far progress has been made in all the four branches.”

Speaking on the challenges faced during his tenure, Adeyanju said it was the contentious Ports & Harbour Bill of the NPA, which he believed threatened worker’s rights.

He credited the union’s collective effort and media support for its eventual rejection.

Adeyanju acknowledged the ongoing projects of the Union, including the establishment of a multinational recreation center for seafarers and dockworkers, funded by ITF grants.

He expressed optimism that the incoming administration will continue to prioritie the initiative.

“Somebody has to continue from where we have laid the foundation and I believe the incoming administration will stand on this noble achievement, ” he said.