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That PENGASSAN Threat …Vote For Two Wrongs, One Right Fallacy
One of the lessons learnt from last month’s nation-wide strike, called by organized labour in protest against Federal Government’s deregulation of the downstream sector of the oil and gas industry is ‘power is not a good unless he be good that has it’. For, if ill-managed, power of any kind could be a double-edge sword capable of wounding even the holder.
Another is the invaluable caution against calling a strike when all else at reaching meaningful ends through responsible dialogue has not been exhausted. And finally, that some sectors of the economy should at all cost, persuade themselves against such actions for the interest of both humanity and the country.
This understanding accounts for why some disciplines are categorized as essential, their workforce, essential workers. Among such categories are medical doctors whose duty it is to save lives; the mass media, required to alert a striking nation of likely external dangers while at industrial war; the power sector and from our January experiences, the oil and gas sector, among others. Can anyone imagine a strike action by the Nigerian Army, Navy, Airforce and Police for say, a month? Or Tanker Drivers refusing to convey petroleum products from one depot to another service spot, for say , two months?
Here in Nigeria, the oil sector has proved to be one of the most volatile sectors because of the country’s near total dependence on the commodity and its ripple effects on transportation, and by extension, trade and commerce. In fact, there is hardly any Nigerian household that does not feel the impact of fuel scarcity either negatively or positively, depending on whether one is selling or buying, profiteering or being short changed.
Frankly, each time the oil sector sneezes Nigerians complain of acute malaria of a rare economic kind. This is indeed why those engaged by the sector as essential workers are not only very well paid, they are depended upon to exercise their power to punish the fragile economy with some measure of responsibility, good conscience, nationalism, maturity and indeed patriotism.
This accounts for why last Friday’s threat by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) that it would shut-down completely, all oil and gas operations in Rivers State, came to The Tide, as it did many, as a rude shock and disappointment. For the records, Rivers’ operations service 10 states of the zone, namely, Abia, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bayelsa, Benue, Cross River, Ebonyi, Enugu, Imo and Rivers State.
In handing down the seven-day ultimatum to the Rivers State Government and management of Vam Onne Nigeria Limited, PENGASSAN vowed that if within the period, the industrial relations crisis in Vam Onne Nigeria Limited was not resolved, ostensibly in the association’s favour, oil and gas operations would be shut indefinitely.
Their grouse, according to a release last Friday, is that Vam Onne, in alleged collaboration with some politicians had sponsored thugs numbering over 15, armed with dangerous weapons, to harass, manhandle, assault the PENGASSAN members and ultimately disrupted a peaceful protest organized by the Port Harcourt zone of the association against the Vam Onne management.
In a petition addressed to Rivers State Governor, Chibuike Amaechi, dated February 8, 2012 and signed by its Assistant General Secretary, Comrade Sunday Onyemachi, the workers said, “ As a result of this development, our National Secretariat has directed that, after seven days, with effect from February 9,2012, there will be a complete shut-down of all oil and gas operations in Rivers State.
“If thereafter, the matter is not resolved within the period, the entire 10 states within the zone will follow suit and this will escalate the crisis”.
PENGASSAN alleged that the country manager of Vam Onne, Mr Eugene Fogli victimized 27 of its members who have been locked out for over three months without salaries.
“It is pertinent to stress that the country Manager of Vam Onne Nigerian Limited, Mr Eugene Fogli, engages in anti-union activities ranging from intimidation, harassment, lock-out, victimization, and enslavement of Nigerian workers, flagrant abuse of our extant laws, and release of Nigerians from employment without clearance from the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) and more importantly refusal to honour agreement reached between them”, the petition said.
On the harassment of members on a peaceful protest, PENGASSAN further alleged, “the harassment of our members by the thugs took place in the presence of the policemen detailed to monitor our peaceful exercise which commenced on Tuesday, February 8, 2012. The State Security Service (SSS) Onne, were also aware of this ugly development”, the petition stated.
These, methinks, are indeed serious allegations deserving urgent remedies. Why, for instance, should politicians send thugs to assault harmless protesters seeking redress from an employer? Who are those politicians? If these have been reported to the police as should be done, what is the extent of investigation? Who were the policemen detailed to follow the protesters?
Is it true that the protesters were assaulted along with the police detachment detailed to monitor the protest? Is it true that the police- men ran away after witnessing the alleged assault by the thugs to avoid bloodshed? What did those policemen do afterwards? Mum?
These questions require answers from the police high command because the allegations are criminal in content.
The other grievance of PENGASSAN is the industrial dispute with Vam Onne over the lock-out of 27 of their members without salary for three months.
This, if true, is indeed painful and very annoying. How can a diligent worker be eased out of employment, with no valid reason, for as many as three months without pay? This column shares the pains of those workers and would wish that the problem be resolved in timely fashion.
But I have a worry: Is it true that this industrial dispute is already before the Industrial Arbitration Court at the instance of PENGASSAN? If not, why?
Why should Rivers State suffer the punishment of being denied petroleum products over a dispute the association has with a firm at Onne? Is it a Rivers State government owned company or parastatal? If yes, what of the nine other states within the Rivers zone? Or is it a joint-venture firm owned by the states?
I ask because, try as I have to appreciate the rationale behind the PENGASSAN threat to shut down all oil and gas operations in Rivers State within seven days, what I find instead is a clear example of blackmail and fear mongering.
How for instance can an association petition the governor of a state over an alleged wrong-doing of the kind complained against and at the same time, threaten to punish the same governor and his people, if the issue was not resolved within its own time frame? Had there been an earlier petition to the governor on the same subject matter before the February 9, threat?
If the answers to these are in the negative then it smacks of abuse of the power which PENGASSAN enjoys, as operators of the oil and gas sector and must be checked. Should every union rise on the wrong side of their beds and hold Nigeria and Nigerians to ransom? Is this a new jungle nation?
Again, has the association exhausted all avenues of seeking redress before deciding to visit innocent Nigerians living and doing legitimate business in the 10 states of the federation, with an additional threat that it would escalate beyond that point, apparently, another nationwide strike this time, by oil and gas workers? This is not right.
Even more regrettable, if true, is the claim that the threat to shut down oil and gas operations in Rivers State and later, all other nine states in the zone, enjoys the approval of the National Secretariat of PENGASSAN.
Rather than endorse such path of self-destruct, the PENGASSAN high office should have threaded the path of honour, peaceful resolution of the dispute and demonstrate true nationalism in view of the pain the planned action will inflict on innocent Nigerians, who until the seven day ultimatum, were not aware of any such industrial dispute.
What PENGASSAN has alleged as injustice against members by the police, political thugs and the Vam Onne Nigeria Limited are issues that are criminal and industrial in nature. Those of criminal nature should be channeled to the courts through the police and those of industrial nature should follow spelt-out guidelines and peak at the Industrial Arbitration Court and not for the workers to take laws into their own hands, just because PENGASSAN can, and perhaps successfully force the nation to her knees. This also is not right.
Trade Unions must realise that Nigeria is a constitutional entity with rules and laws. And that no single group enjoys the monopoly of abusing the rule or law at will, in this country. Their right to call strikes must be weighed against the rights of all others and be exercised only as a last resort. This, does not appear to be so in this case.
The other day, a Tanker Driver had a brush with some police escorts, and the next day, tanker drivers went on strike. Yesterday, some Tankers Drivers were allegedly arrested, along with others carrying out illegal bunkering, and tanker drivers called a strike which at once, shut up prices of petroleum products.
Today, it is a threat by PENGASSAN to shut-down oil and gas production in Rivers zone, covering as many as 10 states over, wait! The lock-out of 27 Vam Onne Nig Limited staff. Where is this country headed? A union without laws?
PENGASSAN must be told in unambiguous terms that their reasons for the threat to shut-down oil and gas operations seem an over-kill, or at best too flimsy and should be reconsidered.
Besides, there are laid-out legal and industrial steps by which their grievances could be addressed, without necessarily threatening total shut-down.
My Agony is that PENGASSAN has elected to be the complainant and judge, at the same time, in its own case, and appears bent on doing any and every thing to achieve that toga, with or without the Industrial Arbitration Court, the police or all other courts of competent jurisdiction.
This amounts to a vote for the fallacy of two wrongs making one right. It needs not be so.
Soye Wilson Jamabo
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has declared that all the policies and programmes of his administration are tailored towards the protection of interest of Rivers people, especially the youths.
This, he said, is borne out of the importance his administration attaches to youths’ development and empowerment as leaders of tomorrow.
Fubara, according to a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Nelson Chukwudi, disclosed this when he received the youths of Emohua Local Government Area under the auspices of “Emohua Youths For SIM” on solidarity visit to Government House, Port Harcourt, last Friday.
He said that his administration has put in place modalities that will boost the livelihoods and well-being of Rivers citizens, which youths of Emohua will also benefit when they materialise.
The governor, who spoke through the Rivers State Head of Service, Dr. George Nwaeke, pointed out that the recently awarded Elele-Omudiaga-Egbeda-Ubimini-Ikiri-Omoku Road, the ongoing Emohua-Kalabari Road, reinstatement of illegally sacked workers of Emohua Local Government Area and the approval for electrification of the area, are part of deliberate measures to open up the area to make life conducive and more meaningful for the people.
According to him, “Everything about the governor is putting the interest of Rivers State first. He is looking at and taking action on those things that we need to do to restart the wheels of progress in Rivers State.
“There are many things the governor has planned and is already doing that will boost the life and welfare of every citizen of Rivers State, but most importantly the youths.
“Growing up, I learnt that Egbeda is one of the biggest communities in the whole of Ikwerre, and it’s predominantly an agrarian community. They have food in Egbeda, they have food in Ubimini, they have food in Omudiaga and other natural resources. The whole world is tilting to agriculture, and this is the way to go.
“The Elele-Umudioga-Egbeda-Ubimini-Omoku road, when completed, will open up the area for real development. Your food and everything you produce there will now have value, they will no longer be thrown away. In all these, you the youths are going to be the utmost beneficiaries.”
He added, “Same will be applicable to the Emohua-Kalabari Road which will also, trigger development in the area, and you will be the greatest beneficiaries. When the LGA is also electrified, you will be having 24 or 20 hours of electricity, and those things the youths can do with electricity, you can stay at home and create wealth for yourself and children.
“All the totality of what the governor is doing, when they are completed, or even as some are completed now, the youths are going to be utmost beneficiaries.”
While acknowledging that youths are the true leaders of tomorrow and any government that fails to carry them along in the scheme of things is doomed to fail, the governor assured them of his administration’s commitment to always address issues concerning youths and ensure that they are part of his government.
He commended the youths for toeing the path of truth by identifying with his administration, urging them to sustain the tempo and shun evil, as his government will ensure that the trend whereby politicians turn youths to beggars are over.
He said, “Youths are, indeed, the leaders of tomorrow. The time of youth is a very important time. It a time that your parents or whoever is your leader at that time have to make the greatest investment in you. And any Government that decides to only carry the elderly, chiefs aling and abandon the youths is bound to fail,” he asserted.
“But I am happy that Governor Fubara has concentrated his energy on everything that will benefit the society, especially the youths.
“And based on these, I want to thank you for recognising what is good and calling it good, for shunning what is evil, for saying the Governor is standing for you.
“Let me tell you, you are on the right direction. Let me tell you again, Rivers State is the bride of Nigeria. The whole Nigeria is looking at what will happen here. As they look here and see you standing on the path of truth, this is a very important step that you have taken to right all the wrongs of the past, to make Rivers State stand on the tripod of justice, peace and security. That is what we are going to gain through the governor, taking all the wise actions that he has already initiated.
“The projects the governor is embarking on are meant to prepare nets for the youths to fish and put food on their table, hence you should continue to follow him.
“The SIMplified Movement brought upon by the governor will ensure that Rivers youths stop the habit of going to bow down before politicians, pledging loyalty before they can eat.”
Earlier, spokesman for the Emohua Youths for SIM, Comrade Ovamale O. Ovamale, had said that the visit by youths from the 14 political wards in Emohua Local Government Area was to thank the governor for the award of the Elele-Omudiaga-Egbeda-Ubimini-Ikiri-Omoku road, the approval for electrification of the area and reinstatement of sacked workers of Emohua Local Government Council, of which the youths were mostly affected.
According to him, “Siminalayi Fubara of recent has given Emohua Local Government road that links Elele to Omoku, which comprises over four communities in the local government.”
“Emohua Local Government has also been in darkness for eight years. No community in the local government that has light. But, of recent, because of the passion and love the governor has for the people of Emohua, he has approved the electrification of the local government.
“Also, the illegal sack of Emohua Local Government workers, for which the youths were mostly affected and without the approval of the Local Government Service Commission, the governor, in his compassionate nature, has reinstated them, and that is why we said we must come and thank His Excellency”, he said.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has assured that his administration will collaborate and continue to consult widely in delivering a liberated State experiencing enduring peace.
Fubara said, in doing so, he would not operate as a dictator but as a member of a team that has the best interest of the State at heart and determined to leave a lasting legacy that can be celebrated.
The governor spoke during the formal presentation of Certificate of Recognition and Staff of Office to the Amanyanabo of Okochiri Kingdom, King Ateke Michael Tom, as first class tradition ruler, at Government House in Port Harcourt, yesterday.
Fubara stated that, during the Sixth State Executive Council meeting, N80.8billion was approved with 50 percent contract value paid already as the Government awarded the construction of the Elele-Egbeda-Omoku Road.
He said the project will be funded from the savings from Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) to underscore his administration’s prudence without also borrowing to complete the project.
“We are at a crossroad in our State where we all need to stand for what is right. It happens once in a life time. So, for now, be one of those people that will be in the course to liberate and free our dear State.
“And I know strongly that having the support of a peace-loving Amanyanabo of Okochiri Kingdom, having the support of the wonderful Council of Chiefs, having the support of the great people of Rivers State, we will bring peace in our State. We will do those things that are right to develop our State.
“We will continue to consult. We will not act as dictators. We will act as people who know that one day, we will leave, and when we leave, the way we have acted will speak for us. We will not force people to talk good about us. Our legacy will be a signature for how we led”, the governor said.
Fubara explained that he acted within the ambit of the law to upgrade the traditional stool upon which King Ateke Tom sits in recognition of his efforts in promoting peace in Okrika, and indeed, the State, and urged him to continue to do justice to everyone.
In his speech, Commissioner for Chieftaincy and Community Affairs, Hon Charles Amadi, congratulated King Ateke Tom for being formally presented with the Certificate of Recognition and Staff of Office as first class traditional ruler.
Also speaking, former Transport Minister, Chief Abiye Sekibo, thanked the governor for fulfilling his promise of upgrading the traditional stool of Okochiri Kingdom, and pledged the support of Kirike Se people to his administration.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has promised to give the best attention to the education sector so that standard and quality learning will never be compromised in the State.
The governor emphasised that in achieving such legacy, schools in the State will be driven with a curriculum that will equip school-aged children to become competitive, innovative and self-reliant.
Governor Fubara made the assertion while inaugurating the Governing Council of Rivers State University at Government House in Port Harcourt on Wednesday.
He said: “There is a lot of noise everywhere: people asking what we are doing; that we are not focused, and that we don’t have direction.
”But I want to tell the world that we are focused and aware that we cannot grow if our energies are not channeled to education. Not just education, but purposeful education.
”Education that is creative. Education that gives you independence. We have left the era in the world when you speak too much grammar. We are in such times when it is what you can do with your hands.
”Our purpose for education is that we should bring back our academic programmes to where, at the end of your studies, you don’t need a job but you create jobs. When one creates a job, you automatically employ others. That is what I want this council to see as their task.”
Governor Fubara noted the non-existence of public secondary schools for the male child in the Diobu axis of Port Harcourt.
He said such negligence leaves children in that area who have completed primary education, and whose parents cannot afford sending them to far away secondary schools, to roam the streets, and therefore becoming willing tools for criminality.
Governor Fubara assured that such fundamental problem will be addressed by his administration as a measure to curb the negative impression associated with Diobu axis of Port Harcourt.
The governor said he trusts in the capacity of the members of the Governing Council of Rivers State University to bring about positive change in the institution while also contributing their quota to improving the general education standard in the State.
”I charge you, not just in terms of administering the affairs of the university, but let us add something different from the normal things that we already have to see new things.”
In her response, on behalf of the other members, the Pro-Chancellor of the Governing Council of Rivers State University, Justice Mary Odili (rtd), thanked the governor for finding them worthy to serve in such capacity.
Justice Odili assured they will work assiduously as a team to solve the problems that agitate the mind of the governor and ensure their contributions form part of the legacy that will be bequeathed by his administration.
The members included Justice Mary Odili (rtd) as the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council with Barrister Mela Oforibika and Chukwuma Chinwo, Esq.
Others were Adata Bio-Briggs, Esq., Dr. Jonathan Nimi Hart, Ngo Martins-Yellowe, Dr. Nancy Nwankwo, Dr. Igoni William-Park, and Mr. Ogbugbu Barisua.
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