Delta State Riverine Crayfish and Fish Traders Union Inaugurates New Executive
…Joins Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria
By Faith Madogwe & Bella Moses
The Association of Riverine Crayfish and Fish Traders Union, in Delta state under the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN), has inaugurated a new executive committee to manage its affairs.
The event was held on Thursday, October 6, 2022 at the Smu-Tuns Shopping Center along NPA Expressway, Warri, Delta state.
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Members of the newly constituted Executive include: Comrade (Mrs.) Mary Arukarawei, Chairman; Comrade Ejeh Eperugo, First Vice Chairman; Comrade Bemigho Iyere, 2nd Vice Chairman; Comrade Ebiejura Oluwaferami James, Secretary.
Others are Comrade Okutade Jeti, Treasurer; Comrade Aruwayo Disoni, Special Female Representatives; Comrade Oguadian Amaye, Financial Secretary, and 47 other executives.
Comrade Adewale Adeyanju, the President General, Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria, who was represented by Elder Boro Ekotor while conducting the swearing ceremony said the 2006 Convention made the association both national and international body.
“As members of the crayfish and fish sellers unit of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria, you are not only in the state. You are across board within the Federation and abroad. The 2006 Convention made this association both national and international body.
“So, I really want to thank God because it was not an easy race. But today, are all seated here observing your inauguration with similes. We thank God for that.
“The reason for the ceremony is to have the crayfish and fish sellers in the state affiliated to the maritime unit which will give them authority to operate as a trade union.
“The Association of Riverine Crayfish and Fish Traders, Delta state chapter, is an umbrella body of crayfish and fish sellers in Delta State formed to carry out business of buying and selling of crayfish using boat as a means of convenient.
“The maritime workers of Nigerian on its part are affiliated to many international bodies; one of such bodies is International Labour Organization (ILO). Others he added are; International Marine Organization (IMO) and International Transport Federation (IMO), which is affiliated to Nigeria, labor Congress (NLC).
“There are 32 trade unions in Nigeria and the marinetime union stand as number three,” he added.
However, in her acceptance speech, the newly inaugurated Chairman, Comarade (Mrs) Marry Arukarawei, enjoined all residents of the area who ply their trade in crayfish/fish businesses to join the organization as she calls for punishment of non members of the organization.
According to her, “Before now, our fathers were into this form of trade. They went everywhere in the riverine communities to buy both crayfish and fish. But at the present moment, strangers from other parts of the country have invaded our communities in the riverine area-buying the products.
“They go to Warri, Sapele, Koko Ogbe-Ijaw and Koko. It has become so bad that we can no longer see products to buy. That is why we gathered to request that the nation’s MARITIME authority assist us bring this situation under control.”
She further said “What we want to achieve is a situation whereby no stranger enters the river to go and buy crayfish and fish at kpesu market ogbe Ijaw market sapele market everybody. We want them to come to us. We also request that the government build shops for us that we will pay in installments. He thereater, concluded that some level punishment may be meted for dealers in crayfish in the area that refuses to join the association.
Meanwhile, Crowther Okiakpo, a consultant to the union stated that he knows the newly sworn Chairman as a personality with strong will and determination. He advised members of the Executive to be united in order to move the organization forward.
Crowther noted that trade unions are fund by act of parliament of Nigeria. The action of trade unions is not subject to any conventional course. That means that any action taken in contemplation of trade dispute is not accountable to any law court. The law enforcement agencies cannot even address. The trade union acts on a law signed by the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the president of Nigeria and that is what you people are going to enjoy now.
He therefore specially appreciated the representative of the International Transport Federation (ITF) and other distinguished personalities that graced the occasion.
Present at the event were the Deputy Superintendent of Police, Amutadi Udoka Peace represented Area Commander, Burutu and Assistant Superintendent of Police, Victoria Oguma who represented Warri area Commander. Asp Victoria Oguma advised them to be united in their doings and act accordingly as they have the full support of the police.
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