In a strongly worded statement signed by Comrades Williams Akporeha (National President) and Afolabi Olawale (General Secretary), NUPENG accused Oshiomhole of betraying the workers’ cause and defending corporate interests at the expense of Nigerian labour rights.
“These remarks represent a reprehensible attack on the fundamental rights of Nigerian workers and a blatant distortion of established labour laws,” the statement read.
“We view with deep disappointment a former labour leader who has become a defender of corporate oppression, undermining the very rights he once fought to protect.”
“A Comrade Turned Politician by Night”
NUPENG expressed shock that Oshiomhole, once a leading voice for the working class as former President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), would now side with management against workers fighting for their right to unionize.
The union referenced former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s old description of Oshiomhole as “a comrade in the morning and a politician by night,” questioning his moral authority to lecture others on labour matters.
“How can someone who once advised allegedly corrupt politicians to join the APC for absolution now presume to preach ethics?” NUPENG queried.
They also accused the Edo North senator of rewriting history and holding multiple leadership positions simultaneously during his days in labour, suggesting an “unyielding pursuit of power and personal gain.”
“A Betrayal of the Working Class”
NUPENG further criticized Oshiomhole for allegedly siding with “capitalist interests” by condemning PENGASSAN’s strike against Dangote Refinery over the dismissal of over 800 engineers.
“Oshiomhole’s stance, based on unverified claims, is both irresponsible and deplorable,” the statement said.
“At 73 years old, he recklessly chose to denounce workers fighting for their right to freedom of association.”
The union reminded him that the Nigerian Constitution, Labour Act, and ILO Conventions 87 and 98 all guarantee workers the right to form and join trade unions without interference.
NUPENG Declares Oshiomhole Persona Non Grata
In a dramatic conclusion, NUPENG declared Oshiomhole “persona non grata” among oil and gas workers, saying he no longer holds any moral credibility within the labour movement.
“We will no longer participate in or legitimize any events featuring him,” the statement said.
“Oshiomhole’s insensitivity to workers’ plight marks him as the Judas Iscariot of Nigerian trade unionism a profound betrayal of the working class.”
The union urged the NLC, TUC, and other civil society groups to take note, vowing to stand firmly with PENGASSAN and the dismissed Dangote engineers in their fight for justice.
“We will deploy all legal and industrial tools in full compliance with Nigerian law and global standards to achieve justice,” NUPENG concluded.
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