Nigeria: Seafarers union speaks on arrest of over 100 fake officers

Seafarers union speaks on arrest of over 100 fake officers
17 November 2021 https://guardian.ng/business-services/maritime/seafarers-union-speaks-on...

Seafarers union, the Nigeria Merchant Navy Officers and Water Transport Senior Staff Association (NMNOWTSSA), has dissociated itself from the arrest of over 100 illegal officers operating as Merchant Navy outfit.

The Trade Union Congress’s (TUC) affiliate union, commended the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Hakeem Odumosu, for the timely intervention of the arrest, noting that the seafarers’ fraternity has no connection with those apprehended.

The seafarers union described the arrest as a welcome development that will serve as a deterrent to other fake body extorting teeming Nigeria youths of their hard earned money.

In a disclaimer signed by the Secretary General of the union, John Okpono Aleakhue, the union explained that it represents Nigerian seamen both locally and internationally and operates within the ambit of the law, noting that it has no link with security activities.

He noted that the union is the only recognised body in the Federal Government’s official gazette and saddled with the responsibility of catering for the welfare of Nigerian Seafarers (officers).

The union frowned on the general statement that proscribed the merchant navy, describing it as damaging and misleading.

The union further called on the general public and the Nigerian police to restrict such proscription orders to miscreant organisations.