By ANDREW UTULU
The Maritime Workers’ Union of Nigeria (MWUN), Comrade Francis Bunu Abi has celebrated workers on May Day, praising them for their resilience, tolerance, commitment, perseverance and exhibiting absolute dignity of labour in the face of difficulty, which he said the country is currently working hard to surpass.
This was contained in a statement signed by Comrade John Kennedy Ikemefuna, Head of Media, MWUN.
Bunu also appreciated the Nigerian workers across all sectors, saying that their labour in shaping the economy of the country would never go in vain.
He underscored the various issues currently ravaging the land; which he said were problems that are already receiving attention from Federal Government under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The Maritime helmsman noted with optimism that in no distant time the nation’s economy would be better, adding that “we as industry movers, we must exercise restraint with hope that nothing is lost in delivering genuine service to our nation.”
The Ijaw born labour activist reminded the Federal Government and all tiers that Labour is the wheel of progress of any country, stressing that no government should despise workers in any form, as they are the kinetic force of progress of any country.
He thus warned that labour must not be treated with an arm’s length.
Bunu further said that no nation progresses by neglecting the well-being of its citizens and workers; noting that it’s paramount and inevitable for government to look and review the welfare and the remuneration of the Nigerian worker across all sectors as a happy worker is the pride of his employer across board.
Whiie addressing the workers in Abuja during the May Day occasion, Bunu categorically declared that Labour Day does not stand for jokes but a day set aside to celebrate workers; and marked across the world simultaneously.
He further stated that it’s a day set out for workers to rub minds with governments and various employers of labour to pass out grievances, and their demands for good welfare and betterment of their welfare to enhance a better livelihood.
“And today, we’re in Abuja to celebrate, and to let our employers know where the shoes pinch us in our various places of employment,” the MWUN PG asserted.
Comrade Bunu also admonished the Federal Government to take the issues of insecurity in the country more seriously than ever before, as the state of insecurity across board would not help the growth of labour.
He also encouraged the government to put more effort in the fight against insecurity in the country as a healthy nation is the guarantee of a healthy economy, which in turn translates into a healthy workers attitude towards work, devoid of fear.
He praised all employers of labour in the country for their steadfastness in keeping faith with their employees at all times, while still thriving in their various sectors.
Comrade Bunu sent his utmost appreciation to all Maritime employers and stakeholders in the country for their resilience at this period of time, believing that the best is yet to come for them in the sector and the country in general.
He wished all Nigerian workers a very wonderful May Day, thanking them for their endurance and commitment at their various workplaces, while hoping for a better tomorrow as it were.
