In the midst of its ongoing cold war with the management of Dangote Refinery, the leadership of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) has sounded the alarm over the desperation of a particular group attempting to undermine its unity by promoting a fictitious forum called the Elders of the Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD) branch of NUPENG.
Comrades Williams Akporeha and Afolabi Olawale, National President and General Secretary of the Union, respectively, issued this warning in a press statement released on Sunday night. The leadership of NUPENG asserted that such a forum is not recognised by its Constitution. It noted that specific forces, described as “unconscionable Capitalists with filthy wealth,” are behind these faceless groups, aiming to deceive, manipulate, mislead, and create confusion within the oil and gas sector and the wider public.
The statement cautioned the public and the media to be vigilant regarding the so-called PTD Elders, which it insisted is fraudulent, illegitimate, and operating with criminal intent. NUPENG further declared that the only National Chairman of the PTD-NUPENG recognised by its Constitution is the one led by Augustine Egbon.
The statement read in part: “The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) issues this stern warning to all stakeholders, security agencies, the media, and the general public concerning the criminal and fraudulent activities of some faceless groups and individuals impersonating leaders and elders of the Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD) branch of NUPENG.”
“It has come to our attention that these unscrupulous elements operate under the non-existent and illegitimate banner of ‘PTD Elders’ or ‘PTD Leaders’ to deceive, manipulate, mislead, and create confusion within the oil and gas sector and the wider public. We want to let you know that these individuals are paid agents of unconscionable Capitalists, whose filthy wealth has been accumulated at the expense of workers who have been denied their right to freedom of association and unionism.
“These paid agents have engaged in failed attempts to blackmail, misinform, and manipulate the public for the purpose of destabilising NUPENG and the Petroleum Tanker Drivers Branch of NUPENG. For the record, the struggle to control, manipulate, and destroy the essence of NUPENG and the Petroleum Tanker Drivers Branch by unconscionable Capitalists and their hired agents has been ongoing for some time. Still, they have consistently failed in their nefarious plans due to the alertness and vigilance of committed and indefatigable members and leaders of our esteemed Union and the PTD Branch of NUPENG. You will all recall the brutal and vicious attacks on the leadership of the Union in Abuja on 1st November 2023, for which the perpetrators are currently facing criminal charges at the FCT High Court in Abuja.
“It is therefore imperative to inform the general public that the current blackmail against NUPENG is a continuation of the wicked schemes of those who wish to eradicate NUPENG at all costs.
“Furthermore, NUPENG wishes to state in the strongest possible terms that: “The ONLY recognised and constitutionally elected Executive of the Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD) Branch of NUPENG is led by Comrade Augustine Egbon as its National Chairman.
“There is no known or recognised group within the PTD-NUPENG known as “PTD Elders” or “PTD Leaders.”
Any person or group operating under such a designation is fraudulent, illegitimate, and acting with criminal intent.
“Consequently, NUPENG hereby directs and alerts as follows: To the General Public and Media: Disregard communication, directive, or request from anyone claiming to represent a “PTD Elders” group. Do not engage with them.
“To All Stakeholders: All legitimate engagements with the Petroleum Tanker Drivers must be conducted only through the officially recognised office of the PTD led by Comrade Augustine Egbon.
“To Security Agencies: NUPENG calls on the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), and all other relevant security agencies to treat these impersonators as the criminals they are. We demand the immediate identification, arrest, and prosecution of anyone involved in this fraudulent impersonation to face the full wrath of the law.”
