Maritime workers Union Shipping Branch Elects Unit EXCOs at Onne

 

By Bon Peters

 

The Maritime Workers Union Shipping Branch, Onne, Rivers State has elected new executives that will pilot the activities of the shipping branch units for the next four years.

 

The election which took place last week Wednesday, March 11, 2026, underscored the determination of the various units to champion the cause of the affiliate members of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria for their betterment.

 

The election which was conducted by the District Chairman shipping branch of Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria Comrade Nwawueze Raymond under the watchful eyes of delegates, sister associations, independent monitors among others was devoid of rancour and acrimony.

 

Addressing the various units comprising West African Container Terminal (WACT), Brawal Shipping, Maesk Line and CMA CGM, Comrade Nwawueze said the essence of the unit election was in fulfillment of the wishes and aspirations of the National President, MWUN shipping Branch, Comrade Abass Olufemi and constitutional obligation of the union to elect the executives that will act as ambassadors and ensure discipline, commitment, diligence and professionalism  among members while maintaining a cordial relationship with both the management, the branch executive. 

 

He described the elections as divinely orchestrated while assuring a level playing ground for all the contestants.

 

 "This election will be free, fair and credible and will be by open - ballot" Comrade Nwawueze assured.

 

"Nobody will be short-changed and whoever emerges today, will be the wishes and aspirations of  all the unit members" he insisted.

 

 He urged both the contestants and voters to conduct themselves well insisting that the election was not a do or die affair as losers today might be winners  tomorrow.

 

Comrade, Nwawueze, also applauded the managements of West African Container Terminal (WACT) Brawal Shipping, Maesk Line and CMA CGM shipping for creating an enabling environment for the workers to participate in the election even as he pledged to continue the robust synergy and collaboration existing between the workers and the management, noting that the trust reposed in his District by the National executive led by Comrade Abass Olufemi would not be taken for granted.

 

However, after the exercise which was conducted through open- ballot voting and some positions like the WACT Vice Chairman, Treasurer and Assistant Secretary which were keenly contested and winners emerged, others were returned unopposed in all the units.

 

The following officers according to report emerged as winners:

 

 West African Container Terminal (WACT):

 

Comrade  Laaka Solomon  (Chairman), comrade Seleka Sotonye  (Vice Chairman), comrade God Knows. M. Itelima (Secretary), comrade Kingsley Osaroeke (Assistant Secretary) and comrade Gilbert Dumdibabari Chris (Treasurer). 

 

BRAWAL Shipping:

 

Comrade Mathew Emmanuel (Chairman), comrade Henry Emordi Atashia (Vice Chairman), comrade Daju Emmanuel (Secretary), comrade Osadebe Azubuke (Assistant Secretary) and comrade Aliu Adolphus (Treasurer). 

 

CMA CGM Shipping:

 

Comrade Akomas Dikachi (Chairman), comrade Okagha Ebere (Secretary) and

 Comrade Opus Lilian. (Treasurer). 

 

Maersk Line:

 

Comrade John Nedum  Osakwe ( Chairman), comrade.Sampson Gbeneteh Jimmy (Vice Chairman),  comrade. Ogobue Happiness Ogochukwu (Secretary) and comrade. Blessing E. Lawrence  Ita (Treasurer).

 

Speaking to Journalists on the sidelines of the election, comrade Laaka Solomon the newly elected chairman of West African Container Terminal (WACT) Unit said he was grateful to God for making the day a reality. 

 

He scored the Election  high even as he commended the District Chairman Comrade Nwawueze and his executive for conducting what he described as a  free, fair and transparent election.

He said his motivation to contest is to ensure that workers welfare is the utmost priority of the management of WACT which he said is a Multinational Company.

 

“I will leverage on my  District executive to ensure that those of us working with WACT gets what is rightly due for us."

 

"I will also continue and sustain the cordial working relationship between my management and the Union members here at WACT."

 

"This election today is for the welfare of all hence, I therefore call everybody to come together, let's move the WACT Unit of the maritime workers Union forward."

 

He added that to him "It was a new dawn"

 

Other units’ chairmen have also expressed their gratitude to the District Chairman and his executive thanking them for making a bold statement by conducting the election. They pledged their loyalty to them, the management and to the workers they are representing.

 

Commenting on the election, the Branch Manager Onne, Port Harcourt CMA CGM Nigeria shipping Ltd, Yvonne Odiete said she was happy with the outcome of the election.

 

She described her workers as a team and family even as she hinted at the support the union is rendering to make sure that they prioritize the work.

 

"We work together here as a family. I appreciate the support of the union in making sure that we prioritize the work" Odiete said 

 

Speaking further, she added, “One of them while making a speech said without work there will be no Union, I like people with such mind sets and what happened today is a good job. Yes, the election went successfully without bad report."

 

She promised the management's readiness to support, insisting that the union and the management would continue to work together for a common goal.

 

"I am also proud to say that without them, there will not be management." We will continue to work together to achieve our desired goals" she vowed.

 

The high point of the election was the swearing-in ceremony of the elected officers by the District Chairman MWUN District Shipping branch, Onne Port Harcourt Comrade Nwawueze Raymond.

 

Present at the election include, Vice Chairman MWUN District Shipping branch Comrade Gordons Braid, District Secretary, Comrade Asito, Precious, Treasurer Comrade Paul Otogboro. NEC Member, Comrade Godfrey Nkpornwi. Others include the immediate past District Chairman MWUN, Comrade Tonye Paul Worika and Chairman NAGAFF Onne, Dr. Ike Okechukwu among others.

 

 

Delta Community Celebrates Aganbi’s Leadership

 ....Calls Him Reliable, Trusted Leader

 

...Lauds His Role In Building The New Koko Of Prosperity For All

 

Prominent leaders of Koko community in Warri North Local Government Area on Monday described the Chairman, Board of Trustees of Canaan Land Golf Course and Country Club, Hon Felix Aganbi, as a dynamic thinker, a defender of the collective interest of the Itsekiri Nation and a rallying point for the Koko people.

“Hon Felix Aganbi is a shining example, a role model to all of us. His life is that of accomplishment and service to humanity.”

They also applauded the astute businessman, politician, philanthropist, humanist and mentor for conceiving a rigorous development agenda for Koko, which has so far dictated the steady growth of the Itsekiri community.

“April 25, 2026, is a day of jubilation for the peaceful and God-Fearing people of Koko. It is a great opportunity for us to celebrate Canaan Land Golf and Country Club, the Chief Executive Officer of Akogate Group, Hon Felix Aganbi, his contributions to the development of Warri North and to say a big thank you to our great son.”

In a statement in Koko, the community leaders commended the Akogate chief executive officer for bringing Koko forward in terms of physical and human development.

“It’s our dream to see a prosperous Koko and we are near to achieving the objective.”

The community in a statement issued by Chris Ebrajolor, Alex Orogun, Wilson Omawumi Alatsha and Phillip Daibo extolled the charming qualities of the celebrated businessman.

“Hon Felix Aganbi is a man of integrity. He knows where the problems of the community lie and how to keep solving them.”

The community praised Aganbi for his numerous contributions to youth and community development.

The statement highlighted Aganbi's benevolence, leadership qualities, development initiatives, commitment to the well-being of the people of Koko and his role in building the new Koko of prosperity for all.

It also highlighted his honesty, reliability, uprightness, modesty and practical ability.

2027: Eze Describes Amaechi's Endorsement by South-South ADC Caucus as a Welcome Presage of Victory for Nigerians

 2027: Eze Describes Amaechi's Endorsement by South-South ADC Caucus as a Welcome Presage of Victory for Nigerians

... Urges Other Regions to Emulate South-South 

...Says Amaechi is an Ideal Opposition Candidate to Topple the Current Kleptocratic Regime.

 

".....Two time Director General of the APC Presidential Campaign Team that saw the ouster of a sitting President and the PDP: a party that boasted to be the largest political party in Africa and capable of being in power for fifty years. If he could dismantle PDP from the Presidency, I am convinced that come 2027 that Tinubu and his APC will be dismantled accordingly no matter the odds...."

 

Erstwhile National Publicity Secretary of the defunct New People's Democratic Party (nPDP) and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, Chief Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, has commended the South South ADC for endorsing one of her best heads - former Transportation Minister, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Amaechi, for the rescue mission of Nigeria.

 

In a statement made available to the media on Monday, Eze said not minding a few dissenting voices which is normal and essential in the practice of democracy,  the majority choice of Amaechi is the best step and strategy to salvage Nigeria from her present sorry and impoverished state occasioned by the very vicious, inhuman and visionless administration of President Bola Tinubu.

 

He said Amaechi stands out as one of the most outstanding political leaders from South South zone and it is not out of place for majority stakeholders and leaders to endorse his presidential aspirations.

 

With the experience that Amaechi has garnered  since his entrance into public office, the former Governor is very qualified and competent to govern Nigeria if we are to consider merit as a yardstick for electing our next president.

 

His intimidating records of public service are in the public space.

 

1. Two time Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly (8years)

 

2. Two time Governor of Rivers State (8years)

 

3. Two Time Chairman of Nigeria Speakers' Forum

 

4. Two time Chairman of the Nigeria Governors' Forum when serious and key political players were in the forum including Peter Obi as the Governor of Anambra State with Kwankwaso as the Governor of Kano State and Saraki as Governor of Kwara State, so under what condition are some people playing down the capability and capacity of Amaechi to govern Nigeria while some of these key actors have at a time served under his leadership?

 

5. Two  time Director General of the APC Presidential Campaign Team that saw the ouster of a sitting President and the PDP: a party that boasted to be the largest political party in Africa and capable of being in power for fifty years. If he could dismantle PDP from the Presidency, I am convinced that come 2027 that Tinubu and his APC will be dismantled accordingly no matter the odds.

 

6. Declared as the best decade Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

 

7. Came second during the 2023 APC Presidential primary that had several political leaders in contest including the then vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo

 

His governorship of Rivers State is still referred to as the best period in the history of the oil-rich state. Under his watch, insecurity was nibbed in the bud.

 

With these feats, Eze said he is not surprised that the South South ADC leadership saw in Amaechi the best material to send Tinubu back to his Lagos home.

 

Eze postulated that Chief Odigie-Oyegun the South South Political Leader who addressed newsmen, disclosed that a unanimous decision was taken to give Amaechi all the support that he needs in pursuit of his ambition.

 

“We are glad that our son, Rotimi Amaechi, took advantage of the meeting to brief us on his intention to run for the presidency of our great nation. We were very pleased to thank him for the respect he has for the leaders of the zone, for not letting loose his zone, and for setting up his own personal structure by ensuring, like any good son, that he tells his people what he has in mind before he embarks on it.

 

“We were pleased, and I can report a unanimous decision was taken to give him all the support that he needs in pursuit of his ambition.

 

“We are going to meet regularly to interact to learn from each other’s experience so that the South-South zone will become an example to be emulated by other zones in the nation. I think that is basically our decision.

 

“We hope the government will approach the run-up to the election and allow peace and stability to reign and eschew violence in the run-up to the election in 2027. We as ADC are committed to doing all that it takes to win.”

 

Affirming the position of the South South Political Leader, the National Vice Chairman (South-South) of the ADC explaining what transpired at the February 27 meeting, said the sequence began during internal leadership discussions in the zone when Amaechi formally declared his intention to contest the presidency in the 2027 general election and appealed for support from stakeholders in his geopolitical base.

 

He noted that a suggestion was later raised on the floor for a motion to uphold the request. A brief remark then followed to restate the appeal and underline the importance of getting the general opinion of the regional leader, former Edo State governor, John Odigie-Oyegun.

 

According to the statement, the regional leader subsequently called for a voice vote.

 

“At the call for response, there was a loud affirmative ‘AY’ while a contra call had no ‘NAY’ response,” Usani said.

 

He explained that the applause that followed was widely taken as a show of support for Amaechi’s aspiration.

 

“This applause was a pledge to support him, which can be interpreted as endorsement,” he added.

 

Amaechi was said to have told the leaders that he felt that it was only proper for him to start the race by informing the leaders of his South South zone and formally seek their support and endorsement before going to other zones and other parts of the country.

 

He spoke about why he’s the best man for the job and his ability to lead Nigeria with a proven track record of service to the people.

 

Usani Uguru Usani, former Minister of Niger Delta from Cross River State spoke on the need for unity in the zone behind Amaechi as it was a great privilege to have one of their own, who’s very accomplished and very qualified that is running for the office of President in the party.

 

Sen. Andrew Uchendu, Deputy National Chairman of the ADC in the same vein spoke in support of Amaechi’s move to run for the President. Other speakers include former Cross River State governor Liyel Imoke and Professor Pat Utomi.

 

Chairman of the meeting of Leader of the ADC in the South-South zone, (Odigie-Oyegun reportedly asked Uchendu to move a motion on whether the zone should support Amaechi’s presidential bid. Displeased with the way Uchendu framed the motion, Odigie-Oyegun was said to have asked the question directly and the meeting unanimously agreed to support Amaech’s Presidential run for the ADC presidential ticket.

 

Chief Eze Chukwuemeka Eze an ally of Amaechi commended the South South ADC for endorsing one of her best heads - former Transportation Minister, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Amaechi, for the rescue mission of Nigeria.

 

Eze said not minding a few dissenting voices which is normal and essential in the practice of democracy,  the majority choice of Amaechi is the best step and strategy to salvage Nigeria from her present sorry and impoverished state occasioned by the very vicious, inhuman and visionless administration of President Bola Tinubu.

 

Finally, Eze commended Amaechi for his bold aspiration to lead Nigeria out of the dungeon and set her on the path of progress and assured that Nigerians will support Amaechi's candidacy judging by his track record and the  legacies he built while he served in different public offices.

Ends

 

Signed

 

Chief Eze Chukwuemeka Eze,

APC Chieftain, member of APC Legacy Projects Media Team & former National Publicity Secretary, nPDP

Students, Cultural Imperialism and School Owners in Nigeria

Dr Austin Orette

By Dr Austin Orette

 I am in receipt of a letter that asked parents to pay for an excursion to England. I was very perturbed because this goes beyond the mandate of the school. These kids barely know the geography of Nigeria, and you want to export them to another culture for indoctrination and cultural imperialism.

 

What is London for the Nigerian child? Are we still under colonialism? This program has nothing to improve the child except to give them a false sense of elitism which has destroyed Nigeria.

 

In these tough economic times, you are asking parents to cough out so much money for the vanity project of indulgent children and nouveaux rich parents who want vicarious existence through their children. I weep for my country.

 

Nigeria used to be a place where the children of the rich and poor went to the same school without anyone being subjected to any form of alienation. It is becoming very clear that the Nigerian educational system has been bastardized by actions like these.

 

We send our children to learn and have a better understanding of themselves and the world, but you are teaching them a sense of entitlement. As someone who has travelled around the world, there is nothing any of those kids will gain from this stupid enterprise than egotism that alienates them from their mates. Even if I can afford it, it does not make any economic sense. I will never participate in this hubris you mistake for education. It appears your school has substituted foreign cultures for education.

 

Teach the Nigerian child how to be Nigerian. Education is supposed to start from the home. It appears a large percentage of the parents are people who came into so much money without a modicum of common sense. This is the reason why they consider it a thing of dignity when their child is being culturally miseducated. This trend where everything foreign is romanticized must stop. We should never raise our children to feel inferior to anyone.

 

The moral decadence that has become prevalent in Nigeria is due to this wrong education of the Nigerian child and his parents. They employ maids for their children; drive them to school in expensive limousines. At the end, the child grows up entitled and does not have any sense of service or allegiance to his community, as he is trained from childhood that the world owes him a living.

 

We must teach our children how to serve. Service to others is the rent we pay for the space we occupy. If parents must take their children overseas, that should be done in their private time not under the pretext of education.

 

A good education will be an excursion to the numerous slums in Lagos and let the children produce an assignment about creating sustainable neighborhoods that are livable.

 

 If you don’t stop this practice, I will make a formal protest to the Ministry of Education and your school and other schools that are introducing this odious culture should be sanctioned.

 

The Nigerian child must be trained to think instead of making him a consumer of foreign cultures that have disdain for our way of life.

 

I used to complain of wayward parents who have destroyed Nigeria until I found out that the Nigerian schools are becoming incubating chambers for producing wayward and dysfunctional children who will perpetuate the vicious cycle in the Nigerian decay.

 

Dr Austin Orette Writes from Houston, Texas

Elected Officials Treat Constituents As Beggars, Nuisance - Austin Orette

· Says President Bola Tinubu Is the Best Person to Restructure Nigeria

 

· Promises to Empower the People, Untie the Ropes Of Ignorance And Bondage

 · Vows to Pay Attention to Education, Legal Reforms, Agriculture, Healthcare and Maternal Welfare

 

· Pledges to Set Up Digital Library, Get Equipment for Artisans, Encourage Vocational Education, Fight For New Constitution

 

Houston-based family physician, Dr Austin Orette, on Sunday declared himself as the best candidate for the Delta South Senate position in 2027.

 

“If not me, who? If not now, when? I am going to be the next Senator for Delta South Senatorial District. I have a lot of advantages that will propel me to serve my people as a senator. I am well educated, well-traveled and well-read than anyone aspiring for this position. With the risk of running counter to modesty, I can say I am the best candidate for this office. I will represent the people superlatively and will carve a new standard for leadership.”

 

He also described his senatorial ambition as a call to service.

 

“I have always believed in public service. Serving the people has always been the elixir of my life. I am running for the senate because I see it as an avenue of service.”

 

Many are called but few are chosen. This will be my third attempt. There is no reason to be afraid of anyone in the quest to serve my people. I have sincere hope that the people will shun mediocrity and elect me to be their voice in the next four years’’.

 

A statement he issued on Sunday in Houston Texas highlighted his commitment to uplifting lives, bringing development to the grassroots and providing quality representation.

 

“The idea of king makers in a democracy is anachronistic. The voice of the people should be equal instead of the echo of a selected few who have no interest in uplifting the welfare of the people. The role of traditional rulers is non-partisan. I will seek their blessing. The people are my backers. In a democracy, it is one man, one vote.”

 

A family physician with over 40 years of experience, Orette warned against the stealing of people’s mandate in 2027.

 

“Elections are expensive because the politicians spend money frivolously in buying votes instead of articulating a vision for the people. I will give my senatorial district a voice in national affairs. I will be the vehicle for the aspirations of my people.”

 

The major challenges in the Delta South senatorial district and Nigeria in general, according to Orette is that the people have lost faith in the system.

 

“Those they elected treat them as beggars and nuisance. When the people complain, they tell them to line up for palliatives. I see the people as the solution to our problems. I will fight to give them the knowledge and the know how to dig us out of the ditch of ignorance we find ourselves. The people are the solution. I will empower the people, and the people will untie the ropes of ignorance and bondage.”

 

He expressed optimism that Tinubu would win the 2027 presidential election.

 

“I am a supporter of President Bola Tinubu. Tinubu is seeking reelection. I sincerely believe he will be the best person to restructure Nigeria. Nigeria needs major restructuring before we can know any progress. The other candidates running for presidency seem to be in love with the unitary system that has brought us to this nadir. They seem to be in love with a unitary executive with dictatorial powers. We must restructure if we want to pull our nation from the abyss that an unruly military plunged the nation into.”

 

An advocate for legal reforms, fiscal restructuring and the restructuring of the Nigerian federation, Orette reminded the people of Delta South to make a credible choice in the interest of the senatorial district.

 

“I am running for the senate, and my energies will be concentrated in my race. The criticism of being not on ground is analog thinking. Change can be done from anywhere around the World. What did those who are on ground achieve with their presence? They could not even leave Abuja to address their constituency. I will leave the present occupant to tell the people about his achievements.”

 

He promised to make a difference in the lives of the people.

 

“My programs and legislative impetus will change the lives of the people. There will be a flowering of consciousness as we will emphasize good citizenship and leadership. We will pay serious attention to education, legal reforms and healthcare and maternal welfare. We will set up a digital library for the people. They will have access to any information around the world. We will get equipment for our artisans like welders, carpenters and mechanics who will be retrained and equipped with modern tools. We will emphasize agriculture with modern equipment and good extension services that will make us self-sufficient. Vocational education will be highly encouraged. All hands will be on deck. Our people are in a crisis. I have friends and institutions around the world that will assist me to articulate the solutions to the plight of my people as we prepare our people for positions of responsibility and leadership within Nigeria and beyond.”

 

He also stated his readiness to fight for a new constitution.

 

“As a senator, my primary role is legislative. I will fight for a new constitution that respects the rights of the people. Our present constitution treats the people as tenants. We need to have a constitution that recognizes us as the owners of this land called Nigeria. We have to fight to decentralize the power that is concentrated in Abuja. Abuja produces nothing but consumes everything. Once the power is decentralized, our people can use it for massive development of our zone."