Against the backdrop of violence usually associated with elections of formidable associations and unions especially when the incumbent leader is not contesting, the President General, Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN), Comrade Adewale Adeyanju, has appealed to companies, individuals, stakeholders, agencies/parastatals and others not to support any candidate in a way that is capable of destabilizing the sound peace the maritime sector currently enjoys.
Making the appeal in his address at the National Executive Meeting of the union held in Lagos on Tuesday, Adeyanju noted that “Our electoral process is democratic and stands on a tradition of the delegate process which we strictly abide by in accordance to our constitution.”
He therefore appealed for non-interference from any external agent outside of the one recognized by the union’s constitution.
The President General urged members of the union and other stakeholders to allow peace to reign as the union goes to elect new executives in March 2025.
In his words: “Comrades, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, as we navigate towards next year March 2025 which is our election year, I want to use this medium to implore all of us to remember the sacrifices of our past heroes who through sheer will, understanding, tolerance and prioritizing our collective good over individual gain, embraced reforms which has transformed into the peace and gains we currently enjoy today in the maritime sector.”
Reflecting on his administration in the past eight years, MWUN boss noted that it has ushered in liberation and freedom though not without bumps here and there.
He described the present moment as a time for unity, for all members of the union to come together and give themselves a pat on the back that they deserve, whilst cherishing the good memories and lessons they have been part of and enjoyed over the last seven years.
Adeyanju appreciated the enormous and unwavering support received from governments, sister unions, employers, the parastatals/agencies and most importantly his executives and most respected colleagues at national, branch, districts and unit levels
He also acknowledged and applauded the enormous support and contributions of his four branch Presidents to the numerous success stories enjoyed as achievements of their collective administration.
The President General equally appreciated President Bola Tinubu, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy as well as heads of agencies in the maritime subsector for their supports.