NUPENG Warns Against Military Coup, Reaffirms Support for Democratic Rule

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The National leadership of Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, NUPENG is deeply concerned and worried over the alleged nefarious activities of some devilish and depraved individuals circulating documents calling for coup against the democratically elected government of the Federal Government of Nigeria.

According to a statement signed by the national president of NUPENG, Comrade Williams Akporeha, the activities of these depraved desperados are utterly condemned by our Union and we urge all Nigerians irrespective of political/religious or tribal affiliations, to rise up in one accord to berate these faceless individuals and assist the security agencies to smoke them out wherever they are may be hiding.

“The present democratic system whatever might be its shortcomings was collectively fought for through blood and sweat of patriotic Nigerians and as a Union, we express our faith and confidence that Nigeria democracy has come to stay and could no longer be threatened or usurped by military coup d’etat under any guise, having successfully survived 20 unbroken years of civilian rule.

As a socially responsible trade Union, we found it most appropriate at a time like this to add our voice in condemning the heinous antics of all anti-democratic elements within and outside Nigeria, military officers or any other overambitious stakeholders who may be fanning the amber of change in government by way of military interregnum to immediately put a stop to such unpopular, venomous and toxic machination.

The removal of a democratic government through the barrel of gun is no longer acceptable or justifiable anywhere in world and Nigerian cannot be an exception in this regard. Moreover, brutality can never solve any problem but only complicates them and sets back the progress of democratic societies. The gory sights and stories from theatres of war across the globe are too frightening to imagine happening in our country. Constitutional democracy offers peaceful options of changing governments through the ballot box.

It’s very instructive to note here that we just concluded a successful general elections and anyone that is dissatisfied with the outcomes can either go through constitutional processes to seek redress or wait for another round of elections rather than resorting to any illegal and despicable violent route.

NUPENG in strongest term berates any call for support of a revolution to oust the current democratically elected government and in its place establish an illegitimate interim government.  Just like we did during the June 12, 1993 era, we would also not hesitate this time again to mobilize our members and resources across the nation in ensuring that our democracy is protected and not truncated by some desperate individuals that do not wish Nigeria well.

As an Oil and Gas Union that is consistently known to be non partisan and highly patriotic, we deeply acknowledge Nigeria’s ability to conduct credible and acceptable election which essentially is one of the bedrock of good democracy. Once a nation could hold free and fair, credible, and transparent election, it is for us to throw our weight behind such democratic process without looking back.

NUPENG unequivocally salutes the Defence Headquarters for immediately dissociating the military from the purported document in circulation, calling for the overthrow of President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.

We urge Nigeria military, Department of State Services, Police and other Security and Intelligence Services to intensify their efforts in unmasking the sponsors of the said document in circulation under the guise of Nigerian Continuity and Progress (NCP).

This is the height of an attempted treason against the Nigerian State and our relevant laws and security architecture must be activated to nip this dangerous phenomenon in the bud.

Our Solidarity remains constant for the Union makes us strong.”

Comrade Akporeha