Lucky Obukohwo, Reporting
The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) said it has engaged the services of Femi Falana, SAN, a human rights lawyer, to defend it in a suit instituted by three major oil companies at the National Industrial Court, Abuja.
The union said that it was dragged to court by Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals FZE, MRS Oil Nigeria Limited, and MRS Oil & Gas Company Limited in Suit No. NICN/ABJ/279/2025.
NUPENG, in a statement signed by its President, Williams Akporeha, and General Secretary, Afolabi Olawale, insisted it had the inalienable right to hire lawyers of its choice to defend the case.
The union also raised alarm over what it described as fraudulent activities of some impersonators parading as PTD Elders or PTD Leaders, warning the public and stakeholders to disregard such groups.
According to NUPENG, the only recognised leadership of the Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD) branch is the executive led by Comrade Augustine Egbon as National Chairman.
“There is no known or recognised group within the PTD-NUPENG known as ‘PTD Elders’ or ‘PTD Leaders.’ Any person or group operating under such a designation is fraudulent, illegitimate and acting with criminal intent,” the statement added.
The union accused the alleged impersonators of being paid agents of unconscionable capitalists who are determined to destabilise NUPENG and weaken its influence in the oil and gas sector.
It further called on the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), and other security agencies to arrest and prosecute those behind the scheme.
NUPENG vowed to take all legal and industrial measures necessary to protect its integrity and safeguard the interests of its members.