Maritime Union Leader condemns protest at Onne seaport discribes agitation as baseless.
The Chairman, Haulage District of Maritime works Union of Nigeria (MWUN) Eastern ports, Comrade Ugwu Adolphus has debunked alleged misconduct and extortion leveled against it by a factional group of the union.
Discribing the alligation as baseless, the chairman urged the public to disregard the protesters whom he said were bent on distroying existing synergy within the business community.
According to him, no intimidation nor blackmail would make him fight the federal government policy on Electronic Truck call -up at onne Port.
“When the issue of E- Call up started, we made our positions known to the Nigeria Ports Authority.
“We specifically informed them that there was no need replicating the system in Onne especially as system was designed to stem Congestions at the Port, a challenge peculiar to Lagos ports.
“But when concerned authorities insisted on implementing it, we had no option than key in.
“What authority have we to restrain NPA from implementing the federal government policy.” he asked.
Ugu also challenged his accusers to present concrete evidence to back claims of misconduct, neglegence and extortion or engage available dispute resolution channels rather than disrupting business activities at the port.
“I challenge those perceived aggrieved members to come up with evidence indicating they were being neglected, even members who are currently incapacitated by ill health cannot boldly say they’re not getting assistance from us.
“Same goes for members with permanent disabilities, we have never turned our backs on anyone “
“So, where then are these fictitious allegations coming from just because E- call up implementation has stared, a policy that Mritime workers Union had no powers over.”he added.
Presenting a court judgement of 2021 where some persons who invaded the Port in an attempt to take over power ended up being charged and defeated by a court of competent jurisdiction, he advised protesters to always be guided by operational rules.
The union leader however, warned trouble shooters against constituting themselves as threats to public peace or risk being caught up in the web of the law.