Tanker drivers raise alarm over alleged plot to destabilise NUPENG

Concerned tanker drivers across the country have dissociated themselves from a self-styled “PTD Elders Forum,” describing the group as faceless impostors bent on destabilising the Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD) branch of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and National Gas Workers (NUPENG). The drivers said that the group, which is not recognised by the PTD bylaws […]

Concerned tanker drivers across the country have dissociated themselves from a self-styled “PTD Elders Forum,” describing the group as faceless impostors bent on destabilising the Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD) branch of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and National Gas Workers (NUPENG).

The drivers said that the group, which is not recognised by the PTD bylaws or NUPENG constitution, has been spreading falsehood to mislead the public.

They aligned with NUPENG president, Comrade Williams Akporeha and general secretary, Comrade Afolabi Olawale, who earlier warned that the so-called Elders Forum consists of infiltrators with sinister motives.

The NUPENG leaders reaffirmed that Comrade Augustine Egbon remains the duly elected national chairman of PTD-NUPENG, having emerged at the branch Delegates Conference in Lagos on July 3, 2024.

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At a press briefing in Lagos, tanker drivers from Kaduna, Lagos, Port Harcourt and Warri zones denounced the PTD Elders, insisting that they are not genuine members.

Comrade Bashir Izalan of Kaduna zone said: “We don’t have anything like PTD Elders in our hierarchy. The only chairman we recognise is Comrade Egbon, whose leadership has been transparent and supportive of our welfare.”

Speaking for the Lagos zone, Comrade Itanola Abiodun urged security agencies to investigate and prosecute the impostors. He said, “Every member belongs to a unit and zone. These people cannot even state where they come from. They are hired to wreak havoc in our union.”

From Port Harcourt, Comrade Chukwudi Okafor dismissed claims that PTD leaders mismanage drivers’ dues.

He explained that check-off dues and loading fees paid by truck owners fund health insurance, welfare and emergency needs.

“We are beneficiaries of these services; and we trust our leaders. The impostors have no business questioning how the funds are used,” he said.

In Warri, Comrade Dennis Akore accused disgruntled ex-members of sponsoring the so-called PTD Elders after losing in last year’s election.

“When they were in office, drivers benefitted nothing. Now, they are plotting to hijack the union through the backdoor. Some even attacked our national officers in Abuja and are still facing criminal charges,” he alleged.

The tanker drivers urged the government and security agencies to support PTD-NUPENG’s legitimate leadership, stressing that the union has continued to provide welfare, protection and a sense of belonging to drivers nationwide.