NUPENG allays fears of fuel scarcity, rules out participation in August 1 nationwide protest

The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) has dismissed reports of a planned protest by tanker drivers, assuring the government and Nigerians that no such action is being contemplated by genuine members of the Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD) across the country.

NUPENG has denounced claims of a planned protest by tanker drivers, stating that those making such claims are not genuine PTD or NUPENG members, but rather operatives of economic saboteurs hiding behind a facade of tanker drivers.

This follows allegations by Mr. Olaitan Idris of a mass protest by PTD members over the contentious election that produced Augustine Egbon as National Chairman, which he described as illegitimate.

Reacting to the claim, the President of NUPENG, Prince Williams Akporeha, to be mindful of those who are trying to unsettle the peaceful atmosphere of the nation.

Akporeha recalled that “the election that brought the current leadership of PTD headed by Augustine Egbon was held on Wednesday, July 3, 2024 in accordance with the National Industrial Court, NIC- ordered Special Delegates Conference, SDC. The Federal Government through the Registrar of Trade Unions led government’s delegation to the election held at Funplex Event Centre, besides CMD village Lagos. It was well published by both print and electronic media. Apart from the Chairman,   15 other members were elected into different positions across the Kaduna, Warri, Lagos, and Port Harcourt zones of PTD. We had about 570 delegates in attendance. The election was conducted through an open ballot in the public gear. While most of the positions were unopposed, those that were contested for, individuals that contested against the winners did not show up after they were duly cleared to contest by the electoral committee set up in line with the court directive.

“All genuine members of PTD are happy with their new leaders and have moved on. We advise Nigerians especially the government to ignore those claiming tanker drivers are planning to protest. They are unpatriotic elements working for those planning to inflict more hardship on Nigerians. We also advise our media friends to always verify suspicious reports to avoid falling into the hands of disgruntled elements looking for public space to propagate their evil agenda.”