December 19, (THEWILL) – Over 40 Oil Tanker drivers are languishing in correctional centres across Nigeria. Comrade Ibrahim Issac (Danjuma Action), a driver, disclosed this and spoke on behalf of protesting Petroleum Tanker Drivers at the Calabar Depot in Cross River State.
The protesters, who took to the streets against the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, NUPENG, made allegations of exploitation against NUPENG.
Comrade Isaac said NUPENG is cheating the Petroleum Tanker Drivers and their time of freedom has come.
Giving some insight into why some of their members are in correctional centres, he said the issue has to do with haulage.
He said when fuel is loaded at the depots and taken to its destination, the up haulage they carry will be different from the down haulage after discharge because some fuel stations put machines inside their tanks to compromise the quantity of products delivered.
He explained that when this happens, tanker drivers are accused of theft and sent to correctional centres.
He maintained that they are only responsible for the up haulage and not the down haulage that has been discharged.
He accused the leadership of NUPENG of abandoning the affected drivers and undermining Petroleum Tanker Drivers.
“NUPENG is cheating us and doing us very badly, they use us as slaves.
“We no longer want them and we the drivers need freedom from them because they are using us.
“They used to go and bring carpenter and at times they will bring tailor to be Secretary of the association.
“We drive trucks for 20 to 30 years and we have no benefit, time has come to get our rights and we have selected those we want.
“Since we joined with NUPENG, they have scattered everything so let them go on their own”, he said.
Also speaking, Comrade Adams Abdullahi, an executive officer of the PTD said what they are experiencing is a form of slavery and the drivers reject it.
He said the drivers have come of age to establish themselves.
He added that the drivers should be allowed to elect its leaders and they will not condone any form of imposition.
On his part, Comrade Aliyu Suleiman, a tanker driver, said they are in support of their election, which took place in Abuja and rejected moves by NUPENG to set it aside by organising another kangaroo election in Ibadan.
However, in his response, Peter Joshua, the unit head of NUPENG in Cross River State, gave a terse reply stating that they do not know the issues raised.
About the Author
THEWILL Correspondent, Aniekan Bassey has over six years experience that spans across several fields in print journalism including development communication, sexual reproductive and health rights issues, crime, climate change, social justice, business and human interest stories.
