The Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN), led by Comrade Francis Bunu Abi, paid a courtesy visit to the newly assigned Commissioner of Police, Western Port Police Command, Apapa, CP Agbaminoja Iyabode Oluwatoyin (Mrs), on Monday.
Comrade Bunu and his team were warmly received by the Commissioner of Police and her officers. During the meeting, Comrade Bunu explained that it is a tradition for the Union to pay courtesy visits to newly appointed Commissioners of Police, and CP Iyabode’s visit was no exception.
The visit aimed to welcome CP Iyabode, interface with her and her officers, and acquaint the Command with the newly elected MWUN executives. This is expected to foster effective synergy in the Port’s security architecture, ensuring a secure and conducive working environment for maritime workers.
Comrade Bunu emphasized the importance of collaboration between the Union and the Police Command, stating that the visit marked the beginning of a fruitful partnership. CP Iyabode welcomed the Union’s visit, assuring them of her commitment to maintaining peace and security in the Port.
According to reports on the visit, the foremost Maritme Labour leader in the country, Comrade Bunu says that it has been in the culture of the Union to always pay courtesy visits to every newly designated Commissioner of Police to the Western Port Police Command and that of CP Iyabode can’t be exemption; hence, the Union’s visit to give the CP a rousing welcome, and to also have an interface with her and the Officers, while the Command gets acquainted with the newly elected executives of the Maritme Workers Union for effective synergy of the Port’s security architecture.
The Veteran Sailor and Astute Administrator, Comrade Bunu further says it’s worthy to note that MWUN is the largest and strategic trade Union in the country; stressing that one of the major reasons the Union has always been parts and parcel of this command, which is strategically situated at the gateway of the nation’s economy.
The PG of MWUN says the Union will continually be part of the command and would strictly work with the new CP and his Officers and Men to ensure a progressive security network in the port and its environ.
It’s a fact that the issue of security in the port is very paramount; therefore, both parties’ synergy in this regard must not be undermind in all ramifications. He also noted that CP Iyabode’s reign at the Command would be successful and that will demand our collective primary efforts to achieve the target, given our longstanding relationship in the maritme sector, which must continue to wax stronger, as MWUN holds this Command in great esteem.
Let me also tell us that before coming here today, my indefatigable predecessor, PG Emeritus, Comrade (Prince) Dr. Adewale Adeyanju told me that CP Iyabode is “Our Own”; and we must treat her as such.
So, in view of that description from the PG Emeritus, the Union is also saying that we are Your Own Too; based on this premise, the Union welcomes you on board; saying the Union is always open to you for operational discussions and useful information that will help both parties to strike all necessary balance in pursuit of securing the port at all times.
The fierce labour Activist also introduced to the Commissioner of Police, Comrades Agboola Bolaji, President of Dockworkers Branch and his counterpart, Olufemi Oluyinka Abass of the Shipping Branch respectively; saying that in the case of immediate response, the CP of the Command can always call on the two Union officials, who are always on ground to offer relevant assistance as he ( The PG ) may be unavoidably absent while attending to other crucial issues nationwide, given the nature of his office.
The PG of the Union explained to the Command CP that the Union has four branches, which includes: the Dockworkers, Seafarers & NIWA, Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA), and the Shipping, which constitute the entire Union. And that most of the times, he’s not always in Lagos; whilst he would be attending to other crucial matters outside the state.
He, however, on behalf of his executives thanked the Command for its warm and goodly reception.
In response, CP Iyabode thanked Comrade Bunu and his entourage, describing them as resourceful Comrades and the visit, a timely and expected one.
Police Commissioner Iyabode says that the Port is the Union’s constituency and as Police Officers, we are on ground towards making sure that this place ( The Port ) is safe for us all; hence, it’s not just the duty of the Police alone who will carry out the daunting task of securing the port, it’s our collective efforts that the port must be safe for its daily activities, which involves the concerted efforts of all of us.
And to achieve this maximum result, knowing full well that security business is not just for the police alone but with the involvement of the Maritme Workers Union, and other stakeholders as well in the sector. The Union is it were is our strongest ally and we must synergies effectively and strategically together in firm of purpose, remain focused to make sure we all succeed towards making sure the port is a safe space in the industry for a thriving local and international trades.
In addition, both organizations must share adequate and useful information to help us succeed in this onerous task of protecting the port and its genuine businesses.
As the Commissioner of Police in the Command, we talk to ourselves regularly on how to treat the people civilly and not to intimidate our Comrades, who are partners in progress in the industry as we carry out the daily activities in the port. CP Iyabode further reiterated that the Port is our constituency and the business of securing it will continue to be our major concern and primary responsibilities; hence, the Union and the Police must continue to work together in one good spirit and faith to ensuring the Port is properly secured for all and sundry doing legitimate businesses within the port and its environment, while appreciating the Union for this all important visit.
