The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, NUPENG, has blasted Senator Adams Oshiomhole for his reaction to the resolved face-off between Dangote Refinery and the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, PENGASSAN. The union recently described Oshiomhole as the Judas Iscariot of trade unionism, and Nigerians have been reacting.
In a press statement by Comrades Williams Akporeha and Afolabi Olawale, National President and General Secretary respectively, NUPENG revealed that the senator’s comments were a direct attack on the fundamental rights of Nigerian workers.
Accusing Oshiomhole of a clear misrepresentation of established labour laws, the union disclosed that it is disappointing to see how a man who used to be against oppression has been stooping so low to undermine the rights he once protected.
NUPENG stated that justifying the victimization of workers who are exercising their rights to association was very shameful of the former NLC president.
“These remarks represent a reprehensible attack on the fundamental rights of Nigerian workers and a blatant distortion of established labour laws.
We view with deep disappointment a former labour leader who has morphed into a staunch defender of corporate oppression, undermining the very rights he once fought to protect.
His efforts to justify the victimization of workers for exercising their rights to association and peaceful action are not only repugnant, but also a flagrant misrepresentation of Nigerian labour law and International Labour Organisation, ILO, conventions,” it read.
The union further noted that Obasanjo, referring to Oshiomhole as a comrade in the morning and a politician by night, is spot on nowadays.
NUPENG concluded by saying that it stands firm with PENGASSAN and the sacked workers, and all legal and industrial tools will continue to be deployed to seek justice when there is wrongdoing.
“We must question whether former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s description of Senator Oshiomhole – at a Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, delegates’ conference dinner – as ‘a comrade in the morning and a politician by night’ holds true.
If so, does such a figure possess the authority to lecture others on strategy or morality? How can someone who once advised allegedly corrupt politicians to join the APC for absolution now presume to preach ethics?
This also raises questions about his claim of relinquishing the General Secretary position at the National Union of Textile, Garment and Tailoring Workers of Nigeria, NUTGTWN, upon becoming NLC President.
The facts are indisputable: Adams Oshiomhole held both the NLC Presidency and NUTGTWN General Secretary roles from 1999 to 2007, only stepping down from the latter in 2008 – one year after leaving the NLC.
Does this reflect an unyielding pursuit of power, influence, and personal gain?
We must also question whether Senator Oshiomhole truly merits the self-conferred title of “Distinguished,” by which senators address one another – a title earned through undemocratic privilege rather than merit.
His current position is not that of a pragmatic reformer but the rantings of an apostate, seduced by power and compromised by vested interests, betraying the cause of Nigeria’s downtrodden workers.
Oshiomhole began his interview by admitting limited knowledge of the issue, yet at 73 years old, he recklessly proceeded to denounce the PENGASSAN strike on freedom of association – apparently at the behest of powerful forces.
This stance, based on unverified claims, is both irresponsible and deplorable.
For clarity, we reiterate the relevant legal provisions:
Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) guarantees every person in Nigeri – citizens and non-citizens alike – the right to freedom of association and assembly.
Section 9(6) of the Labour Act (Cap L1, LFN 2004) prohibits any contract that excludes a worker from trade union membership.
ILO Conventions 87 (Freedom of Association) and 98 (Right to Collective Bargaining), ratified by Nigeria, protect workers’ rights to form and join unions of their choice without interference.
Contrary to the Senator’s assertions, employers have no authority to interfere in an employee’s freedom of association – this right belongs exclusively to the worker.
We hereby declare Senator Adams Oshiomhole persona non grata among Nigerian oil and gas workers for his denunciation of the PENGASSAN strike and the unjust sacking of over 800 engineers as retaliation for unionizing.
This declaration means we will no longer participate in or legitimize any events featuring him. The NLC, TUC, and principled civil society organizations are urged to take note.
Oshiomhole’s insensitivity to these workers’ plight and his opposition to unionism in the petroleum sector poison the working-class resolve while bolstering exploiters. NUPENG stands resolutely with PENGASSAN and the dismissed engineers. We will deploy all legal and industrial tools — fully compliant with Nigerian law and global standards — to achieve justice,” it added.
