Speaking at the PENGASSAN 40th Anniversary Celebration in Abuja, President of the union, Comrade Olabode Johnson, charged Nigerians to vote wisely, with intent to have a leader with the ability to turn things around for better in the country.
While making the call, Olabode assured Nigerians and the government that the union would ensure an adequate supply of fuel throughout the country before, during and after the general elections.
He also denied that PENGASSAN had already issued a strike notice to the government, saying that “at no time did we issue any strike notice to the government on issues.”
The PENGASSAN President said: “As we approach another election year, I urge us to act diligently by electing leaders who have the ability and willingness to rise to their responsibilities and move the country forward.
” The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association (PENGASSAN) has left its marks on the sands of the Nation’s economy and will continue to be a significant force that shapes the oil and gas industry.
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“We have relied heavily on members’ dues and stakeholders to finance our activities but at 40, the Association wants to be financially independent and take its place in the Nation.
‘In order to achieve this, we are delving into investments that will enable us to create additional income for the Association, contribute to the human capacity development of every worker in the industry, provide employment and improve the Nation’s GDP.
“This is why we are building Digital Libraries and Event Resource Centres in our four Zonal Councils located in Kaduna, Port Harcourt, Warri and Lagos. I urge you all to partner with us to deliver these projects.
“As I wrap up, let me remind us that we have huge challenges and great opportunities in the oil and gas industry. If we all work together in our various capacities as Labour Unions, Stakeholders and Government, we will surmount these challenges and develop the opportunities.
“In the end, we will not only have developed the Oil and Gas industry but would have helped a Nation to maximally utilise her Oil and gain resources that will help to develop other sectors of her economy. This should be the bedrock of the plans for a future that will be less reliant on oil.”
Olabode commended the efforts of NNPC Management to fully rehabilitate the refineries and resuscitate the Mosimi, Ore, Calabar, Aba, Ilorin and Enugu Depots.
“These are giant strides that will aid fuel distributions. The dismantling of the famous Arepo hideout near Ikorodu, where lives have been lost due to nefarious activities of hoodlums is highly commendable,” he said.
He said the union would ensure effective distribution of fuel as the country move towards the 2019 general election, adding that PENGASSAN is not planning to go on strike.
According to him; “Though we listed some of the challenges such as casualization and contract staffing, offshoring of jobs, insecurity, infrastructural decay and capital flight, among others; at no time did we issue any strike notice to the government on issues.
” Instead, we appealed to the Federal Government, state governments, the Nigeria Employers Consultative Association (NECA) and organized Labour to put machinery in place to resolve some of these issues.
He pointed out that as a responsible trade union with the interest of the masses and the Nigerian nation at heart, “we will always work towards the growth and development of the country. We will not embark on any action that will inflict suffering on the Nigerian people.”
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