Maritime Workers' Union expresses shock over the arrest of 20 Dockworkers, others

The leadership of the Maritime Workers' Union of Nigeria, MWUN, has received with shock and disbelief the arrest of 20 Dockworkers and others that their whereabouts is unknown because of their arrest by the RVSG on Saturday May 9, 2020 on their way from Essential service operation at the BUA/PTOL terminal, Port Harcourt.

A statement signed and made available to journalists in Port Harcourt by Comr. (Prince) Adewale Adeyanju Abdulwaheed, President General MWUN noted that “they were arrested by the RVSG Taskforce on Covid-19 lockdown led by the Governor Nyesom Wike.”

According to him, “All entreaties/explanation made by the Workers fell on deaf ears in spite 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.”

“Consequent to the above, 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 RVSG for not allowing Port workers and other maritime stakeholders to work” Adewale explained.

He observed 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.”

“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 to release the workers is to douse rising tensions in the Ports which could snowball into a full blown industrial unrest if not quickly apprehended now.

“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” Adewale declared.

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