The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, NUPENG (NUPENG) plans to down tools over the deplorable states of the federal and states roads that have continued to claim lives of innocent citizens. This follows the October 1 petrol tanker fatal accident that claimed five lives and while several others sustained various degrees of injuries, among other lost valuables along the Ologbo axis of the Warri /Benin highway.
In a release by the NUPENG President and General Secretary, Williams Akporeha, and Afolabi Olawale, respectively, it added that, “The leadership and members of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers wish to express our deepest condolences with the families of our petroleum tanker drivers, the deceased, victims and members of the public on the unfortunate fatal accident that claimed the lives of tanker drivers and many other innocent Nigerians on October 1, 2023, along the Ologbo axis of Warri /Benin highway”.
“This accident occurred as a result of the failed and deplorable condition of the Benin/Warri highway. Scores of persons were burnt to death, with many others sustaining serious injuries and lots of vehicles destroyed. The union is saddened by this unfortunate regular occurrence”.
“We deeply commiserate with the families of our tanker drivers, other deceased and all those who lost one thing or the other as a result of the unfortunate accident”.
“This was an avoidable and unfortunate tragedy that wouldn’t have happened if our political leaders aren’t so callous, irresponsible and insensitive to the plight of the ordinary masses they claim to be leading and representing”.
“This tragic accident that happened on our national independence day speaks volumes about our nation’s appreciation and commitment to the sanctity of human lives. Nigerians are being wasted every day through the callousness, insensitivity and negligence of those we entrusted our lives”.
“With this tragic incident, the union further demands that the federal and state governments should immediately commence the rehabilitation of all the failed roads in the country to save the poor masses from these avoidable experiences and deaths”.
“We earnestly plead with the general public to bear with us, should we in the next couple of weeks decide to take some decisive steps towards making both the federal and state governments do the needful on our roads to avoid further similar tragedies and save lives and properties of other people”.
