PENGASSAN calls for justice for oil, gas workers brutally assaulted by military
Omeiza Bilal
The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), strongly condemns the brutal and excessive use of force by the Military other Security Agencies hired by Dutchford E&P, Selective Marine Services and its Labour contractors against oil and gas workers at the Oritsetimeywn Oil and Gas Rig.
In a statement signed by Comrade Lumumba Okugbawa and Comrade Festus Osifo, General Secretary and President of PENGASSAN respectively, the action of the military is a barbaric act that negates the constitution and laws governing the operations in the oil and gas sector.
According to PENGASSAN, “It is on record that these companies are notorious for violating signed agreements reached with various parties including the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) on payments and other entitlements due to the workers dating back to 2022.
“We warn that if the reports indicate that oil and gas workers are violently ejected from the Rig any date soon, PENGASSAN will deploy every arsenal at its disposal to frustrate such moves; as this unconscionable act represents a grave violation of human rights and known labour conventions.
“The use of military actions against unarmed workers is completely unjustifiable and disproportionate because it is the Nigerian workers who have been subjugated to unfair workplace places, including being paid meager wages while working in a hazardous environment that should be the complainant,” the Union said.
While commending the workers for their professional disposition to keep the oil and gas rigs flowing, the deploying of the military to settle an industrial dispute is unacceptable and demonstrates a complete disregard for human life and the rule of law
“The use of such force against unarmed citizens engaged in legitimate work is abhorrent and cannot be tolerated.
“We demand a full and transparent investigation into this incident, leading to the immediate arrest and prosecution of those responsible for ordering and carrying out these brutal assaults. The perpetrators must be held accountable for their actions under both national and international law.
“Furthermore, we demand a guarantee of the safety and security of all oil and gas workers on the rigs, and a commitment from the relevant authorities to uphold the rights of workers and engage in peaceful conflicts,” PENGASSAN stressed.
The umbrella body of the workers insisted that it will not idly while such egregious human rights violations occur.
“We will use all available avenues to ensure use for the members and to prevent any future recurrence. We call on all concerned citizens, human rights organizations, and international bodies to join us in condemning this violence and demanding accountability, as silence in the face of such brutality is complicity,” it further said.
