Fuel scarcity looms in Delta
Delta state residents may grapple with fuel scarcity as Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, NUPENG, on Thursday announced immediate stoppage of fuel distribution and supply in the state.
The decision followed alleged forceful evacuation of about 3,000 workers from the rigs by five drilling oil rigs being operated by Sterling Energy Exploration Company, SEEPCO, and its drilling arm, British Oil and Gas Limited in Kwale and Warri areas of Delta State.
President of NUPENG, Prince Williams Okporeha, gave the Nigerian Army 24-hours ultimatum to withdraw its officers from the premises of SEEPCO, and BOGEL, allegedly used to forcefully evacuate and abruptly terminate workers’ appointments following their refusal to allow unionisation. According to Akporeha, armed soldiers were currently distributing new employment forms of non-identification with union to the oil workers if they must remain on their jobs.
“We felt it is unfashionable in a democratic and decent society to bring soldiers to intimidate harmless workers and forced them out of employment, simply because they were asking for their rights.
“More than 3,000 workers are being pulled out of their jobs and the number is increasing daily. Nigerians must rise to stop this, especially now that the country is deepening its democratic practice,” he said. (Vanguard)
