As Nigeria marks the 33rd anniversary of June 12, the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) has urged political leaders to strengthen and uphold democratic principles.
The union emphasized that Democracy Day should serve as a reminder of the sacrifices made by Nigerians in the struggle for democratic governance, and called on politicians to demonstrate commitment to transparency, accountability, and respect for the rule of law.
The blue collar union also advised the political elites not to allow the struggles of past heroes to be in vain by overheating the polity.
Speaking on this year’s commemoration of the June 12 election, NUPENG President, Comrade (Dr) Salimon Akanni Oladiti (JP), commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for deepening recognition for the sacred date and giving it the right status in the nation’s history.
The Union leader added that the date has indeed vindicated the union and its leadership who fought for the democracy being enjoyed by all in Nigeria today.
Dr. Oladiti emphasized the urgent need for political leaders to confront and resolve issues that pose a threat to Nigeria’s democracy. He stressed that government must prioritize tackling insecurity while also advancing programs that enhance workers’ welfare and rights. This includes providing strong legal protections, improving working conditions, and safeguarding the health, safety, and dignity of the workforce.
The astute labour leader further charged politicians to eschew acts that can cause chaos and division in the polity.
Comrade Oladiti, however, said all those involved in the struggle should be consistently celebrated or possibly immortalized.
He said: “While it is appropriate to recognize June 12 as the democracy day in this country, it is also our wish and prayer that posterity will continue to be kind to all the heroes who dared the military jackboots in restoring democracy in Nigeria. Among them were President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR), late Comrade (Chief) Frank Ovie Kokori, the late politician and lawyer, Chief Bola Ige and human rights activist and lawyer, Chief Gani Fawehinmi (SAN); Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka, Femi Falana (SAN), Comrade Joseph Akinlaja, as well as former External Affairs Minister, Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi.
“We recalled the role NUPENG and PENGASSAN played and the price paid by both unions and their leadership at that time for the actualisation of the democracy that is now being enjoyed in the country.
“While the leadership of these unions were dissolved by the late military junta, Gen Sani Abacha and sole administrators appointed for them, they were also starved of funds.
“The two general secretaries, Comrade Gilchrist Dabibi and Comrade Frank Ovie Kokori, and Comrade Frank Addo of PENGASSAN as well as other leaders of the unions, including the then Port Harcourt Refinery Branch Secretary were casted in jail.
“Many activists of the Campaign for Democracy and union leaders, including the then PENGASSAN President, Comrade Ganiu Owoduni were hounded out of the country to seek asylum in foreign countries.
“There are many stories about the struggle against military rule that have not been told. Some may never be told or have only been relayed in half. The story of the over 3,400 sacked workers of the NSPMC and their contributions to the exit of military tyranny is one of such.
“Though many of the actors have died, including the former General Secretary of Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), late Chief Frank Ovie Kokori who spent 4 years in Bama prison in Maiduguri and was declared a prisoner of conscience by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and Amnesty International (AI).
“Few of them who are still alive have hardly spoken about their heroic exploits in one of Nigeria’s most deadly battles against entrenched principalities and powers. The workers were sacked after the military tagged them as ‘agents of opposition.’ The workers sought revenge in an underground movement that shook the bedrock of the country.
“In those dark days in Nigeria, those who raised eyebrows were arrested and detained, traced to their homes, harassed and faced humiliation, victimization, incaseration and some even paid the supreme price during the struggle.
“Today, we are pleased to note that Nigeria’s democracy continues to mature with time. Although it is not without its imperfections, the system has firmly taken root. Encouragingly, President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has initiated reforms that hold the potential to positively transform the nation’s fortunes.
“What remains is our collective responsibility to refine the process, address lingering challenges, and strengthen the path we are on. Democracy is both a learning curve and a work in progress. Our leaders must consistently dedicate their time, energy, and resources to deepening democratic practices and safeguarding democratic ideals,” Oladiti said.
