#InTheNews; Crisis in PENGASSAN as Members Challenge National Leadership Over Dictatorial Actions, Illicit Suspensions, and Attempt to Force Increased Membership Dues for “CSR” Projects
Workers at the NNPC E&P limited (NEPL) Branch of PENGASSAN are demanding the immediate return of their elected Chairman, Comrade Jimmy Ejiro Dafe, who was suspended for three years.
In a statement signed by Members of the NEPL PENGASSAN Branch Congress, the workers described the action of the PENGASSAN national leadership as illegal and contrary to the Norms of the association.
The statement said Mr Dafe was punished for conveying the position of the NEPL Branch Congress members to the national leadership about a new plan to force workers to pay for "CSR projects" through compulsory salary deductions.
The NEPL branch, which produces over 350,000 barrels of oil daily, says it is unfair to punish a leader for speaking the mind of members. They are also warning that they will resist any attempt by the national body to sneak in new fees without a transparent vote.
The workers have promised to explore all lawful means to protect their salaries and the democracy of their union since efforts to resolve the issue internally has continued to be ignored.
They insist that PENGASSAN belongs to its members and not a few people at the top.
#JusticeInPENGASSAN
#AccountabilityInPENGASSAN
#ReturnJimmy
PENGASSAN NEC suspended NEPL Branch Chair for 3 years for conveying the position of his branch members, against their illegal salary deductions.
Donation should be voluntary by nature. Amending the constitution to enforce voluntary donation is simply absurd.
PENGASSAN is a trade union not an NGO and not a corporate entity. It is therefore not obligated to embark on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) projects as though it were a profit-driven corporation. A thread 🧵 of the ongoing madness
Osifo-led National Executives of @pengassanhq suspended a Branch Chair for 3 years because the members in the branch opposed their illegal deductions.
In clear contravention of the Labor Act, they wanted to illegally deduct 1.5% of their members salaries to fund a Foundation they created.
For an oil-producing nation, it’s sad that the average Nigerian even the educated ones only associates oil & gas with “refinery.” The industry is far bigger. So many tunnel-vision takes. A company investing $100bn, yet it’s the refinery that’s cast as the savior?
Dangote to Nigerians: “You’re better than the Indian workers, you perform better.”
Of course because you bend over and accept exploitation. But the moment you demand basic rights or PPE? Mass sack.
And funnily, it all happened within days.
We congratulate Maryamu Idris, Managing Director of NNPC Trading Limited, on her appointment as the National Representative for Nigeria at the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).
#HumansOfNNPC#EnergyForToday#EnergyForTomorrow