NUPENG threatens nationwide solidarity strike over ASUU, others
The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), yesterday puts its members on alert for an indefinite strike in protest of the continued strike in the educational sector in the country.
The union in a statement jointly signed by its President, Williams Akporeha and the General Secretary, Afolabi Olawale noted that the union’s action was in condemnation of the Federal Government’s insensitive posture towards the ongoing strike.
The union expressed worried and concerned about the prolonged strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Non-Academic Staff of Universities and Associated Institutions (NASU) and Senior Staff Association of Non-Academic Union (SSANU) that has left activities in the nation’s tertiary institutions paralyzed for the past eight months.
“The union joins other unions to condemn the lackadaisical attitude of the Federal Government towards finding a lasting solution to the crisis.
“We are deeply worried that the strike has left thousands of University Students stranded and idle, making some of them susceptible to go into various social vices and crimes, thus truncating what otherwise should have been wonderful assets and blessings to our great nation and humanity,” the statement said.
Noting that it is an unfortunate and a sad commentary on the level of governance and sensitivity of the political leaders, NUPENG maintained that without doubt it shows the insensitivity of the current administration towards promoting and projecting good and quality education.
The union said, “We are seriously concerned that instead of addressing the nagging issues in the educational sector, the unscrupulous politicians are busy campaigning and wasting resources over 2023 general elections.
“It is against this background that NUPENG demands together with other Trade Unions, that the Federal Government must immediately address and resolve all demands of ASUU, NASU and SSANU without any further delay to avert national solidarity actions from our members across the Country.”
The union warned that the rank-and-file members of the union will align with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC)’s position on protest against unfortunate situation in the tertiary education sector and will not hesitate to join in the proposed nationwide strike on the matter.
It added, “A stitch in time saves nine. To be forewarned is to be forearmed.
We are by copy of this Press statement putting all our members on alert to be in solidarity actions on the directive of Nigeria Labour Congress at very short notice.
“Our Solidarity remains constant, for the Union makes us strong!”
The union equally has expressed dismay over the explosion that rocked the gas section of Matrix Energy Tank Farm, resulting in loss of lives and properties on Friday, 8th July, 2022, at Ifiekporo in Warri, Delta State.
The union said, “We commiserate with families of those that died from this very unfortunate accident.
We pray that the Almighty God grant the families of the deceased the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss of their loved ones.
“As a Trade Union organization, we have no other option at this critical time than to use this very painful incident to further call on all employers of Labour most especially in the Oil and Gas industry to place greater premium on safety in all workplaces and ensure adequate and regular training for all personnel on health and safety.
“Prevention of industrial accident should be of highest priority at all times.
We wish the injured quick recovery and the management of Matrix Energy, God’s guidance and support at this very trying time as well.”
