PENGASSAN Threatens Strike

The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), has threatened to suspend operations over the crisis rocking the Rivers State House of Assembly.
PENGASSAN’s President, Mr Babatunde Ogun, gave the warning in a statement issued in Lagos yesterday.
The statement warned that if politicians cannot conduct themselves in a manner expected of their status, the union would not hesitate to withdraw the services of oil workers to ensure their safety.
“‘The state of fear that pervades Rivers is a threat to the lives and safety of oil and gas workers and the entire industry.”
It said that the crisis was an indication that the government may not be able to guarantee the security and protect the lives and property of the people.
It condemned the violent action in the assembly on Tuesday, describing it as ‘a slap on Nigeria’s democracy and the constitution.’
The statement said the crisis could lead to breakdown of law and order that could affect not only the state, but spread to other parts of the country if not nipped in the bud.
It stated that the violent action showed that some politicians lacked respect for the Constitution and elementary democratic decorum.
“That is why we would not risk the lives of our members and may have to withdraw them until the situation is under control”, it stressed.
The statement said it was regrettable to note that those trying to subvert democracy never fought for it.
“Several people, especially labour leaders, died for our democracy to be achieved. Some of us were incarcerated during the struggle to attain this democracy.”
The statement urged all parties and individuals involved in the crisis to take cognizance of the root causes of the crisis and pursue the path of peace by reconciling their differences.
Meanwhile, the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has described the crisis which broke out in Rivers State House of Assembly on Tuesday as unparliamentary.
The congress stated this in a statement signed by Mr Bobboi Kaigama and Musa Lawal, its President and General Secretary respectively, yesterday in Lagos.
It said that while Nigerians were yet to recover from the shock occasioned by the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), another crisis has come from the Rivers lawmakers.
The congress said it was sad that the world watched agape as two factions in the assembly openly engaged in fisticuffs, and used dangerous weapons.
“The spectacle of honourable legislators turned pugilists can best be described as very dishonourable and a show of shame.
“They are proving that politics in Nigeria is seen more as a most lucrative business than a call to service.”
TUC said that the reasons for the crisis were not far from interests and aspirations in the 2015 elections.
It observed that the action of the lawmakers showed there was deep corruption in the nation’s political sector.
“The conclusion of any onlooker will be that the lawmakers have compromised with some form of political inducement or the promise thereof from either of the political gladiators.
“Little wonder that the honourable members cannot manage themselves properly and proved that are very dishonourable.
“TUC says ‘NO’ to any continuance of this show of shame, and insist that respective misguided yes-men in the River State House of Assembly cease forthwith from embarrassing Nigeria with their ill-advised power-play”.
It, however, commended the House of Representatives for passing a resolution that would enable it take over the functions of the assembly until peace returns.
The congress called on the Inspector General of Police and the Rivers State Commissioner of Police, to maintain total impartiality and the highest level of professional conduct in the matter.
It also said that officers who overshot the limits of their lawful authority in the crisis should be disciplined to serve as deterrent to others.