NUPENG Blacklists Adams Oshiomhole, Labels Him Judas Iscariot Over ‘Disgraceful Comments’
NUPENG Blacklists Adams Oshiomhole, Labels Him Judas Iscariot Over ‘Disgraceful Comments’
In a dramatic twist that has stirred Nigeria’s labour and political circles, the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) has blacklisted former Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President and current Senator, Adams Oshiomhole, over what it described as “shameful and disgraceful betrayal” of the workers’ struggle.
The outburst follows Oshiomhole’s recent comments during a televised interview, where he appeared to criticize labour unions for their ongoing strike actions against the management of Dangote Refinery. His remarks, according to NUPENG, were not only “unfortunate and hypocritical” but also a betrayal of the working-class movement he once championed.
The Outrage: “A Monumental Betrayal”
In a strongly worded statement signed by Williams Akporeha, NUPENG President, and Olawale Afolabi, its General Secretary, the union declared Oshiomhole persona non grata within the oil and gas workforce. The statement accused the senator of deliberately undermining the labour movement and aligning with corporate interests at the expense of Nigerian workers.
“The leadership of NUPENG hereby declares Senator Adams Oshiomhole persona non grata within the ranks of Nigerian Oil and Gas Workers for the undistinguished denunciation of the PENGASSAN strike against the unjustifiable sack of 800 Engineers,” the union stated.
The group likened Oshiomhole to Judas Iscariot, calling his stance a “monumental betrayal” of the cause of workers and trade unionism in Nigeria.
Oshiomhole’s Comments Spark Firestorm
During an interview on Arise News TV, Senator Oshiomhole had remarked:
“In pursuing war, you have to recognise that the tools you deploy must not hurt innocent people, like the tomato sellers who cannot get fuel to move their goods because there is a quarrel between one refinery and one union.
An employer has to exist, mature, and be strong enough to guarantee good-paying jobs. If you cripple a business before it finds its feet, you are also destroying the jobs you claim to protect.”
These comments, which appeared to defend the Dangote Refinery management, infuriated the petroleum workers’ unions, who viewed them as an attempt to justify the mass sack of 800 engineers under questionable circumstances.
NUPENG’s Response: “You Have Lost Moral Right”
NUPENG’s leadership accused Oshiomhole of having “irretrievably lost the moral right” to speak on labour matters. They called on the NLC, TUC, and civil society organizations to take note of his stance, describing it as a deliberate attempt to weaken the resolve of the working class.
“Oshiomhole’s denunciation and insensitivity to the plight of 800 Engineers is a dangerous toxin designed to weaken the working class and strengthen the class enemy,” the union declared.
“We advise Senator Adams Oshiomhole to retire from commenting on labour matters, as he has irretrievably lost the moral right and legitimacy before Nigerian workers, particularly oil and gas workers.”
Solidarity With PENGASSAN
NUPENG reaffirmed its unwavering support for the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) and the dismissed engineers, vowing to use every legal and industrial tool to seek justice for them.
“We will continue to deploy every instrument available, in full compliance with Nigerian law and global labour standards, to secure justice,” the union assured.
A Divided Labour Legacy
This development has reignited debates over the credibility and consistency of Nigeria’s labour icons after entering politics. Many Nigerians, especially within labour circles, have expressed disappointment that a former NLC leader known for fighting exploitation would now appear to defend it.
Oshiomhole, who once led nationwide strikes as NLC President, is now facing backlash for allegedly standing against the same principles he once embodied.
Conclusion
The NUPENG declaration marks a major fracture in Nigeria’s labour community and raises serious questions about political loyalty and ideological consistency among former labour leaders. Whether Oshiomhole responds or maintains silence, the episode has already dented his image as a once-celebrated defender of workers’ rights.
As the controversy unfolds, one thing remains clear — the Nigerian labour movement will not tolerate betrayal from within its own ranks.
Source: Sahara Reporters / Global Egberi Media International
Tags: #NUPENG #Oshiomhole #PENGASSAN #LabourUnion #WorkersRights #NigerianPolitics
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