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.
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