16th March, 2012
Peter Akpatasson, a member of the Federal House of Representatives, has called for dialogue between the Federal Government (FG) and the members of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) to avert a looming strike action by the latter.
The former labour unionist spoke with newsmen in Benin City on the current threat by the NUPENG to down tools.
He noted that the workers’ demands which are aimed at protecting the interest of the body are in consonance with labour laws
‘’I don’t think these people have asked for a bail out, all they are asking for is to reschedule the loan. I don’t think it is not doable because else where in the world the government comes in, particularly when this kind of crisis befalls the market,’’ he stated.
He debunked insinuations that the acute shortage of aviation fuel resulting to frequent cancellation of flights by airline operators is connected with the just concluded probe of the oil and gas downstream sector by the House of Representatives.
‘’Most of the airlines are getting broke and they cannot afford to buy aviation fuel. I do not see reason why anybody should blame the probe of the National Assembly. If marketers cannot bring in product because one Sanusi Lamido has decided to discourage them by not giving letters of credit to importers to bring products there is no how you can blame the National Assembly or NUPENG for that.
“The truth of the matter is that we have had the era of monumental fraud in the oil and gas downstream sector,’’ he posited.
Reacting to the recent alleged massive defection of ACN members to PDP in Akoko Edo ahead of the forthcoming governorship election, Akpatason, who represents the constituency, said the report is being peddled by political jobbers, adding that the people of Akoko Edo are anxious to cast their vote for Comrade Oshiomhole come 14 July 2012.
—Isaac Olamilekan/Benin