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From Bimbola Oyesola, Geneva, Switzerland
The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) has called on political leaders across the country to uphold democratic values, shun actions capable of destabilizing the nation, and ensure that the sacrifices made during the struggle for democracy are not forgotten.
Marking the 33rd anniversary of the historic June 12, 1993, presidential election, the union urged politicians to demonstrate greater commitment to transparency, accountability, respect for the rule of law, and the protection of democratic institutions.
NUPENG said Democracy Day should not merely be a ceremonial celebration but a solemn reminder of the courage, sacrifices, and resilience of Nigerians who fought against military dictatorship to restore civilian rule.
Speaking on the significance of the anniversary, NUPENG President, Salimon Akanni Oladiti (JP), commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for elevating the status of June 12 and ensuring that the date occupies its rightful place in Nigeria’s democratic history.
According to Oladiti, the recognition accorded June 12 has vindicated the struggles of NUPENG and other pro-democracy groups that risked everything to secure the democratic freedoms Nigerians enjoy today.
“The date has indeed vindicated the union and its leadership who fought for the democracy being enjoyed by all in Nigeria today,” Oladiti said.
The labour leader stressed that political office holders must address issues threatening the country’s democratic growth, particularly insecurity, poverty, unemployment, and poor welfare conditions affecting workers and ordinary citizens.
He urged governments at all levels to implement policies that improve workers’ welfare, strengthen labour rights, guarantee workplace safety, and protect the dignity of Nigerian workers.
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“Government must prioritize tackling insecurity while advancing programmes that enhance workers’ welfare and rights. This includes strong legal protections, improved working conditions, and safeguarding the health, safety and dignity of workers,” he stated.
Oladiti also cautioned political actors against inflammatory actions and divisive rhetoric capable of overheating the polity, warning that democracy can only thrive in an atmosphere of peace, tolerance, and national unity.
While reflecting on the June 12 struggle, the NUPENG President called for continuous recognition and possible immortalization of individuals who played significant roles in ending military rule and restoring democracy in Nigeria.
“While it is appropriate to recognize June 12 as Democracy Day, it is also our wish and prayer that posterity will continue to be kind to all the heroes who dared the military jackboots in restoring democracy in Nigeria,” he said.
He specifically paid tribute to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the late Chief Frank Ovie Kokori, Chief Bola Ige, Chief Gani Fawehinmi, Prof. Wole Soyinka, Femi Falana, Comrade Joseph Akinlaja, and Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi, among others, for their contributions to the democratic struggle.
Oladiti recalled the sacrifices made by NUPENG and the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), noting that both unions suffered severe repression under the military regime of late General Sani Abacha because of their support for democratic governance.
“We recall the role NUPENG and PENGASSAN played and the price paid by both unions and their leadership for the actualisation of the democracy that is now being enjoyed in the country,” he said.
According to him, the military government dissolved the leadership of both unions, appointed sole administrators, cut off their funding sources, and jailed several labour leaders, including late NUPENG General Secretary Chief Frank Ovie Kokori, who spent four years in detention and was later declared a Prisoner of Conscience by the International Labour Organization and Amnesty International.
He further recounted how numerous labour activists and pro-democracy campaigners were arrested, harassed, victimized, forced into exile, or paid the ultimate price during the struggle against military rule. “Those were dark days in Nigeria. Many who raised their voices for freedom faced detention, intimidation, incarceration and, in some cases, death,” he said.
Despite the painful experiences of the past, Oladiti expressed optimism about the future of Nigeria’s democracy, noting that democratic governance has continued to mature despite its imperfections. He said ongoing reforms initiated by President Tinubu have the potential to improve national development but emphasized that all stakeholders must remain committed to strengthening democratic institutions. “Democracy is both a learning curve and a work in progress. Our leaders must continue to dedicate their time, energy and resources to deepening democratic practices and safeguarding democratic ideals. We must never allow the sacrifices of June 12 to be in vain,” he declared.
