The national president of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Alhaji Shehu Musa Gabam, has condemned the decision of the Association of Senior Personnel of Petroleum and Natural Gas of Nigeria (Pengassan) to embark on a strike at the national level, describing it as a wrong movement that threatens Nigeria’s economy and the well -being of its citizens.
In a strongly written statement issued on Sunday, Gabam said that the union directive to close operations in the oil and gas sector, particularly aimed at the Dangote refinery, was equivalent to sabotage and could submerge millions of Nigerians in difficulties.
According to him, “the recent Declaration of Pengasan to embark on a strike at the national level, effectively closing the oil and gas sector, is an act of rebuking sabotage against the Nigerian people,” Gabam said.
“By attacking the Dangote refinery and instructing members to withdraw the services, Pengasan is not only endangering the stability of the oil and gas sector, but also puts the livelihoods of millions of Nigerians at risk.”
He warned that the gradual closure, including the suspension of supplies to the refinery, would trigger fuel shortage, price increases and potential instability throughout the country.
However, Alhaji Gabam urged the Nigerians to resist what he described as “an attempt to retain the nation hostage,” insisting that the demands of the union seemed selfish and contrary to the national interest.
According to him, “he rejects the union’s demands, as evident by the directive to aim at the Dangote refinery, which seems to be driven by the desire to undermine the progress made by the Nigerian government in the oil and gas sector,” he said.
“The government must remain firm and reject any attempt to use industrial action as a means to extort concessions or interrupt the economy.”
The president of SDP expressed solidarity with the federal government, saying that efforts to strengthen economic development should not be derailed by what he called “selfish interests.”
According to him, “I am with the Nigerian government in his efforts to promote economic growth and development,” Gabam said.
“I urge all Nigerians to remain attentive and united before this challenge, rejecting any attempt to destabilize the economy or undermine the progress of the nation.”
Gabam’s comments occur in the midst of growing concerns about the impact of the planned attack on energy supply, companies and homes throughout the country.
Read too Main stories OF Nigerian tribe
Watch the best Nigerian Tribune TV videos