The Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) has declared that its members will not be part of the planned nationwide protest against hunger set to commence on August 1, 2024.
The Union’s President-General, Prince Adewale Adeyanju, issued a statement warning that any attempt by protesters to disrupt port operations would not be tolerated.
Adeyanju emphasized, “As an affiliate of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and a responsible union, we are committed to participating in any industrial action organized lawfully and orderly by the NLC. This planned protest does not meet those criteria.”
Through a statement released by the Union’s Head of Media, John Ikemefuna, Adeyanju clarified that MWUN’s leadership and members were not aligned with those orchestrating the upcoming protest.
The statement partly read, “MWUN under the leadership of the President-General, Adeyanju, disassociates its executives, officials and entire members from the planned protest. There is no way we can be connected to the individuals responsible for the planned nationwide protest scheduled for August 1, 2024.
“MWUN is a responsible Union with it’s vast membership as workers in the Maritime sector, providing essential services at all times and round the clock and also came into proper reckoning with commitment and patriotism during the COVID-19 lockdown when our member were required to render essential services in spite of the stay at home order by National Council For Disease Control, NCDC.”
The union urged its members to avoid participating in protests at terminal jetties or on oil and gas platforms.
MWUN advised caution against those who might exploit the situation to cause harm or damage property, referencing the lingering impact of the #EndSARS protests.