The Maritime Workers’ Union of Nigeria (MWUN) has issued a 48
hour ultimatum to Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers to release 20
dockworkers and others who they claimed were arrested on the order
of the Governor or risk shutdown of all national Ports.
In press statement Comrade Adewale Adeyanju Abdulwaheed,
President General MWUN, the union said their members were arrested
by Governor Wike led Taskforce on Covid-19 on Saturday May 9, 2020
on their way from Essential service operation at the BUA/PTOL
terminal, Port Harcourt.
“They were arrested by the Rivers State Government Taskforce on
Covid-19 lockdown led by the Governor Nyesom Wike.
“All entreaties/explanation made by the Workers fell on deaf
ears inspite of presenting essential duty Port permit duly signed
by the Nigeria Port’s Authority NPA. Instead, the Governor mocked
then saying they should go and work in Abuja.
“We wish to use this medium to state that in the next forty
eight (48) hours ie Monday May 11, 2020, if nothing is done to
release our members, the union will have no option than to
withdraw
our services in all the Nation’s seaports, terminals and jetties in
solidarity with our detained members as injury to one is injury to
all.
The President General of MWUN said consequent upon the decision,
terminal operation, shipping companies and Port users in Port
Harcourt Ports are closing down shops as a direct result of the
unsavoury activities of the Rivers State Government for not
allowing Port workers and other maritime stakeholders to work.
The Union warns that the direct implication is on the nation’s
economy with a clear threat to employment and job security of Port
workers, Dock workers and shipping companies employees.
“As it were, Port terminals have closed down till further
notice, leading to loss of jobs and there is already restiveness in
the entire Port and this appeal for the release of the workers is
to douse rising tensions in the Ports ,which could snowball into a
full blown national industrial unrest if not checked,” the union
said.
At the time of filing this report, the Rivers State Government
has not reacted the allegation and threat to shutdown all the ports
across the country.
The Maritime Workers’ Union of Nigeria (MWUN) has issued a 48
hour ultimatum to Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers to release 20
dockworkers and others who they claimed were arrested on the order
of the Governor or risk shutdown of all national Ports.
In press statement Comrade Adewale Adeyanju Abdulwaheed,
President General MWUN, the union said their members were arrested
by Governor Wike led Taskforce on Covid-19 on Saturday May 9, 2020
on their way from Essential service operation at the BUA/PTOL
terminal, Port Harcourt.
“They were arrested by the Rivers State Government Taskforce on
Covid-19 lockdown led by the Governor Nyesom Wike.
“All entreaties/explanation made by the Workers fell on deaf
ears inspite of presenting essential duty Port permit duly signed
by the Nigeria Port’s Authority NPA. Instead, the Governor mocked
then saying they should go and work in Abuja.
“We wish to use this medium to state that in the next forty
eight (48) hours ie Monday May 11, 2020, if nothing is done to
release our members, the union will have no option than to
withdraw
our services in all the Nation’s seaports, terminals and jetties in
solidarity with our detained members as injury to one is injury to
all.
The President General of MWUN said consequent upon the decision,
terminal operation, shipping companies and Port users in Port
Harcourt Ports are closing down shops as a direct result of the
unsavoury activities of the Rivers State Government for not
allowing Port workers and other maritime stakeholders to work.
The Union warns that the direct implication is on the nation’s
economy with a clear threat to employment and job security of Port
workers, Dock workers and shipping companies employees.
“As it were, Port terminals have closed down till further
notice, leading to loss of jobs and there is already restiveness in
the entire Port and this appeal for the release of the workers is
to douse rising tensions in the Ports ,which could snowball into a
full blown national industrial unrest if not checked,” the union
said.
At the time of filing this report, the Rivers State Government
has not reacted the allegation and threat to shutdown all the ports
across the country.