Members of the Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD) union from the Port Harcourt Zone have expressed grave concern over what they describe as a sustained campaign of impersonation and misinformation targeting their union and its leadership.
In a statement released by concerned members, the group condemned recent actions by suspended member Humble Obinna, who they accuse of falsely representing the union while spreading inaccurate information about its operations and leadership.
According to the statement, Obinna and several associates were lawfully suspended from the union for engaging in anti-union activities. The members noted that despite this suspension, the individuals continue to issue statements claiming to represent PTD and the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG).
“It is deeply troubling that individuals who openly work against PTD and NUPENG, while violating their constitutions and bye-laws, continue to present themselves as representatives of the union,” the statement read.
The concerned members clarified that elections for the four Zonal Councils of both PTD and NUPENG were conducted in 2022, with the next elections scheduled for 2026 in accordance with the four-year tenure stipulated in the union’s constitution.
Addressing questions about recent leadership changes, the members explained that Comrade Mathias Ote’s emergence as National Chairman followed constitutional procedures. According to union law, when a branch officer passes away, the Zonal Council nominates a replacement. Ote, who previously served as National Vice Chairman from Warri Zone, was duly nominated and elected to replace the late Comrade Egbon.
The Port Harcourt Zone members issued a direct challenge to Obinna, requesting that he publicly provide names and addresses of the units he claims to represent, along with verifiable information about their alleged NUPENG structure and zonal offices.
The statement also called on union leadership to alert security agencies about the ongoing impersonation, emphasizing that the situation requires urgent intervention to protect the union’s reputation and legitimacy.
“We urge the appropriate authorities to investigate these false claims and hold those responsible accountable for their actions,” the members stated, adding that legal action should be pursued against unsubstantiated allegations of defamation.
The concerned members concluded by reaffirming their commitment to the legitimate structures and leadership of PTD and NUPENG.
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