As Nigerian youths prepare for a planned protest on August 1, the Petroleum Tanker Drivers Branch of the Nigerian Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) has raised concerns about attempts to infiltrate its ranks. The union’s leadership has also dismissed rumors of a leadership crisis and is calling for calm.
Comrade Augustine Egbon, National Chairman of PTD-NUPENG, issued a statement on Wednesday in Abuja addressing recent online reports alleging discontent within the union. These reports, attributed to a member named Comrade Olaitan Idris, suggested that the recent election at a special delegates conference in Lagos lacked support from a majority of union members and called for a new election to avoid a crisis.
Egbon refuted these claims, asserting that the election was conducted fairly and in accordance with the union’s constitution.
He noted that the election, which saw him and Oluchi Chinagorom elected as National Chairman and National Secretary respectively, was attended by representatives from the Federal Ministry of Labour and fully represented all 150 units of the PTD-NUPENG.
“We find the allegations made by Comrade Idris to be unfounded,” Egbon stated.
“We do not recognize him within our union, and his claims are part of an attempt to undermine the integrity of our leadership. Nigerians should disregard any rumors about a potential strike by our union. These claims are part of a larger effort to disrupt the upcoming protest.
“Nigerians should disregard rumours of a strike by our Union. Those saying that are people planning for the August protest.
“The PTD-NUPENG under my leadership are not going on strike as there was no reason for it.
“We are not going to partake in any August protest. I urge the Federal Government to fish out those issuing threats of strike at this critical period in our industry”.
The PTD-NUPENG chairman restated that the election held in Lagos was done in compliance with due process..
“Duly accredited delegates freely voted without any molestation and they elected candidates of their choice.
“We recall that those who decided to boycott the election at the last minute actually picked Forms which they submitted to the electoral Committee. They had earlier run to the Industrial Court in Abuja seeking for an injunction to stop the election but they were not granted. “If they have any genuine case, they should seek redress before the National Industrial Court rather than creating panic in the industry.
“We restate that the special delegates exercise conducted in Lagos where I was returned as National Chairman along with fifteen others as national officers was in full compliance with the judgment of the NIC under its Lordship, Justice O Y Anuwe of the National Industrial Court,( NIC) in Abuja which on May 29, 2024, annulled previous election of the union held in Ibadan, last October.”
“The election conducted in Lagos was done with strict compliance with the NUPENG Constitution and the PTD Bye Laws.
“Nigerians should ignore the jesters parading themselves as members of our Union. They are being used by fifth columnists desperate to create panic in the country.”
Egbon emphasised that under his leadership, PTD-NUPENG is not planning to participate in any strike action. He called on the Federal Government to identify and address those making baseless threats, reiterating that the Lagos election adhered strictly to legal and constitutional requirements.
“The recent election was conducted in full compliance with the judgment of the National Industrial Court, which nullified the previous election in Ibadan. The process was transparent and conducted according to our bylaws,” Egbon added. “Those dissatisfied with the results should seek legal redress rather than attempting to create confusion.”
Egbon urged the public to ignore those falsely claiming to represent the union, emphasizing that these individuals are being used to generate unnecessary unrest.