Maritime Workers threaten nationwide strike over arrest of 20 dockworkers by Gov Wike


• To shut nation’s ports by Wednesday, Give 48 hours ultimatum

The Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) has threatened to embark on a nationwide strike at seaports over the arrest of its members on essential service by the Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike.

Already, the union has given 48 hours ultimatum, starting from Monday to the Rivers State governor to release the dockworkers or they will be forced to shut down all nation’s port by Wednesday.


The union made its position known in a statement titled: “Unlawful arrest and detention of dockworkers who went to the port to carry out essential services by Rivers State Task Force on COVID-19 lockdown,” which was signed by the President-General of MWUN, Com. Adewole Adeyanju.

He said: “We wish to use this medium to state that if in the next forty-eight (48) hours starting from Monday 11th May 2020, nothing is done to affect the release of our members, the union will have no option but to withdraw our services in the entire nation’s seaport, terminals and jetties in solidarity with our detained members as an injury to one is an injury to all.”

The statement read: “The leadership of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) has received with shock and disbelief the arrest of over 20 dockworkers and other that their whereabouts cannot be accounted by the Rivers State Government on Saturday (May 9) on their way home after the day’s job.

“We were informed that the affected Dockworkers were returning from essential service operations to BUA/PTOL terminal, Port Harcourt and were unlawfully and forcefully arrested, and detained by Rivers State Taskforce on enforcing COVID-19 lockdown.

“All entreaties/explanation made by our members to the task force team led by the Governor Nyesom Wike, that they were on essential services fell on deaf ears although they presented duly signed ‘Essential Duty Port Pass’ issued by the Nigerian Port Authority (NPA).

“Instead, the governor, mocked them that they should go to Abuja and work.

Consequent to the above, most terminal operators, shipping companies and port users in Port Harcourt port are closing down shop as a direct result of the unsavoury activities of the Rivers State government for not allowing port workers and other stakeholders to work.

“This has direct implication to the nation’s economy and a clear threat to the employment and job security of port workers including dockworkers and shipping companies’ employees. As direct consequences of governor Wike’s action, some terminal operators have closed down their operations till further notice leading to loss of jobs by Nigerians and dock workers.”

The union added: “Consequent to the above, we call on President Buhari, the Minister of Transport – Mr Chibuike Amaechi Rotimi and other well-meaning Nigerians to prevail on Governor Wike to immediately release our members – dock workers and others were arrested and their staff bus impounded on Saturday 9th May 2020 while on their way home having rounded up the day’s work.

“Already, there is restiveness in the entire ports across the country and this appeal to release the arrested workers is to douse the rising tension in the ports which could snowball into full-scale industrial unrest if not quickly apprehended now.”

https://tribuneonlineng.com/maritime-workers-threaten-nationwide-strike-over-arrest-of-20-dockworkers-by-gov-wike/

Wike again!

FTC dedicated to the owners of Prudent Hotel, Alode in Eleme and Etemeteh Hotel in Onne.

We pray for Justice and hope the wild is tamed.

Men Of The Maritime On Essencial Duty? And You Lock them Down In The Land Of Duty?
Now That The Battle Is On The Line. Wike Get Ready And Be Strong For The Returning March.

Third to comment...am so happy right now,,getting there gradually.

Wike tripped the moment he demolished those structures yesterday he could have put them to good use other than demolishing them, dude crossed the line, he needs better advisers in his cabinet!!
I like the Man though

Ok

This is absolutely not right.

My

I like Wike's action but,he should slow it down a bit. He shouldn't make enmity everywhere because of the pandemic. I understands that he has anger issues but,life is not always about power, wisdom too is an incredible tool...

wetin average Nigerian benefits from them?

Hmmmmnnnnnn, nawa o.

Let's see who will bulge first


Maybe it will be Wike or Maritime Workers

Wine should be locked up

How dare you Threaten Gov Wike?
Wike should go and demolish their Ports

Wike. ..The indabosky, liquid metal himself

What's d difference between Wike and Nnamdi Kanu?

Wike is a mumu man

The Wike is a he goat!

After bouncing up and down locking up everyone. He will soon lift the lockdown like he released the 30 Mobil staff he arrested before.

He thinks he is the only mad man in Nigeria. People have fought military governments to stand still. Let alone an ordinary governor who doesn't even know the full meaning of covid19.

After watching CNN he jumps up and starts signing orders to lockdown.

Good God!

I will go to Rivers State and buy trouble.

That craze Wike dey find he will see it.

Wike!!!!

That's the way to show power drunk Gov. Wike, that essential workers are free to carryout their duties during lockdown.

Wike be warned for his end is near

wealth25:
Third to comment...am so happy right now,,getting there gradually.

celebrating nonsense

Shut down and you just answered WIKE'S silent prayers. Search for other diplomatic ways to effect their release. We don't have to be all MAD in this corntree!

the can go on strike I dont care.

I think it's time Fg deal with wike decisively.

It's okay.

PHCN ma go embark on nation wide strike be dat o base on say Wike arrest one of the MDs yesterday.

But wait, the whole country is on strike already aii

This man is holding the nation to ransom...

Wike... This man na my role model oh.

Hmm. Before we condemn wike, let's hear why they were arrested first. Most Nigerians are generally an unlawful set of people who do not ever believe in following rules and regulations. There are so many of them in Lagos here.