Tanker Drivers Seek Minister’s Intervention In Leadership Crisis

Aggrieved members of Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD) have petitioned the Minister of Police Affairs, Sen. (Dr) Ibrahim Gaidam, calling for his intervention in the ongoing leadership tussle of their umbrella body, Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG).

In a petition to the Minister of Police Affairs and copied to all relevant agencies, including the presidency, the aggrieved members lamented that a faction of the union is making desperate moves to thwart and manipulate the forthcoming election in their favour. They alleged that some members have resorted to using the police and called on the minister and other good-spirited and relevant agencies to help ensure justice.

In the petition signed by Ikechukwu Okpalaelechi of Indepth Legal Consults, the aggrieved members raised the alarm over alleged continued harassment, intimidation, and harmful maltreatment of some selected members by some leaders of NUPENG in connivance with some bad police officers, who tried to fraudulently manipulate their electoral agreements and bylaws and incite public disorder.
They also alleged that some top NUPENG officials and the police are hell-bent on thwarting the judgements of the National Industrial Court, Bayelsa State division, and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

Part of the petition also stated that before the delegates’ conference in 2022, Comrade Godwin Ewhrudjakpor, a member of PTD from Warri Zone, Delta State, challenged Comrade Lucky Osesua’s membership in PTD. However, the delegates conference that followed in June of the same year at Ibadan took place. Comrade Osesua participated and won the election as the national chairman of PTD-Extraction.

According to the petitioners, in delivering the judgement, the court, amongst other things, affirmed that Comrade Lucky Osesua is a member of PTD. Yet, it nullified the election and dissolved the National Executive Council of PTD formed due to the election, which took place in Ibadan.
Part of the petition reads, “We are, therefore, appealing that you use your good offices to intervene and bring justice, unity, and harmony to PTD and also investigate the matter and determine the level of security agencies’ involvement in aiding, harassment, and intimidation.”