The President General of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN), Comrade Francis Bunu Abi has dismissed online publications alleging that he is using his office to impose candidates into district offices, describing the report as false and mischievous.
Bunu made the clarification when members of the Maritime Correspondents Organisation of Nigeria (MARCON) paid him and his team a courtesy visit in his office over the weekend. He said the allegation was another attempt to mislead the public and create unnecessary tension within the Union.
According to him, misinformation remains one of the most challenging aspects of leadership, especially in a democratic organisation like MWUN, and urged journalists to be objective and verify facts before publication.
“If somebody comes to tell you that another individual is an armed robber, your job is to reach out to the accused and ask if he or she has stolen anything. Because someone told you that this is what Mr. A did, then you went to press with the story without asking any questions. That is very bias,” he said.
Abi explained that the MWUN operates strictly in accordance with its constitution and democratic principles, stressing that the Union cannot and will not impose any candidate on its members. He noted that elections across the districts of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) had been conducted peacefully without any controversy.
He further stated that the ongoing process for dockworkers’ elections was still at the campaign stage and that all aspirants were free to canvass for votes and convince their members.
He added that leadership positions in the Union are earned through hard work, popularity, and the will of the people, not imposition.
“The Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria cannot impose any candidate on anybody. It is not even in our character and I will not condone it,” Bunu declared.
He maintained that the Union remains peaceful and united, adding that it will not be distracted by unfounded online reports.
According to him, the MWUN leadership prefers to stay focused on its goals rather than dignify baseless allegations with official statements.
Bunu compared the situation to President Bola Tinubu’s position on social media criticisms, noting that paying attention to every media comment could derail one’s focus.
He assured that MWUN would continue to uphold transparency, accountability, and internal democracy in all its activities.
