Nigerian Union of Petroleum And Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) has vowed to disrupt distribution of petroleum products in Rivers state if in seven days from Wednesday if relevant stakeholders fail to address said indiscriminate arrest and impounding of their trucks by security operatives and some Local Government authorities in the state.
Port Harcourt Zonal Council of NUPENG gave the ultimatum in a petition to Governor Nyesom Wike, lamenting resumption of indiscriminate arrest and impoundment of trucks
in Rivers by the security agencies and local government authorities.
The petition drawn at the end of the Zonal Council meeting of the union held on 6th September in Port Harcourt and signed by Chinda Ejims, Assistant General Secretary/Head of Administration, was a follow up to an early petition dated 25th August, 2022, drawing the Rivers governor’s attention to impounding of four trucks belonging to NUPENG members currently in custody of various security agencies.
The petitioner told the Governor, “It has become imperative that we reiterate the issues likely to disrupt the free flow of petroleum products to Rivers. The Unions’ letter of 25th August was explicit and detailed on all the trucks laden with petroleum products that are still in the custody of various security agencies.
“Consequent upon the said letter, only the Nigerian Army has invited the Union for a meeting even though the issues are still in abeyance whereas other relevant authorities have remained incommunicado despite the Union’s effort to pursue peace by all means.
“The Union feels seriously frustrated and helpless in the face of oppressive government agencies that have become repressive to petroleum tanker drivers who are diligently discharging essential duties and ensuring free flow and equitable distribution of petroleum
products to the State.
“As the peoples Governor, focused on delivering good governance and
ensuring peaceful business environment, the Union appeals that you intervene in this matter to avert a looming industrial crises that may
affect the free flow of petroleum products to the State.”
