Festus Osifo has been re-elected as the President of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN).
Osifo, who also doubles as the president of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) was unanimously elected unopposed at the seventh Triennial National Delegates Congress (NDC) 2023, which was held recently at the International Conference Center, Abuja.
Also elected alongside Osifo to constitute a new Central Working Committee for the next three years is Comrade Kabiru Dan Azumi, ex-while National Treasurer as the new Deputy President replacing Owan Abua who was recently promoted out of the union by his organisation.
Comrade Aliu Dauda, the immediate past Chairman of Kaduna Zone was elected as the new Financial Secretary, and Kingsley Udoidua was elected National Public Relations Officer, replacing Anietie Udoh who served out his tenure.
Also elected is Ada Mbaneso Maryann, Chairperson of PENGASSAN Women’s Commission and Chidinma Anyanwu as Secretary. Charles Ogbowu retained his position as National Auditor I while Ese Okusi is the new National Auditor II. David Owan defeated Leroy Musa to emerge as the next National Treasurer, while Dr Eze Ifeanyi was elected as the new National Industrial Relations Officer after defeating Innocent Ugwunta, former Port Harcourt Zone Secretary.
The new national officers were sworn in by Comrade Lumumba Okugbawa, General Secretary, PENGASSAN, who served as the returning officer. The Registrar of Trade Unions supervised the election.
Osifo, in his acceptance speech commended members of the association for conducting one of the most peaceful union elections. He said that this is a testimony of the good programmes and policies of the past three years. He thanked everyone for the parts played in the success of the NDC.
Furthermore, Osifo, told the incoming government to bar public officials from seeking medicare abroad in order to encourage investment in the country’s health care system. He also said that government should declare state of emergency in the agriculture and food sector and as well establish farm settlements across the country that will aid to convert the country’s teeming unemployed youths into productive ventures.
READ ALSO FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE