The former governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi, has expressed concern over the ongoing nationwide strike by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), urging the Federal Government to swiftly intervene to protect citizens and the economy.
In a statement posted on his X account, on Monday, Obi said the government’s slow response to the industrial action was worsening the hardship of Nigerians, noting that the primary duty of government was to safeguard public and economic interests.
“I am worried about the lack of response by the Government to the threat and eventual commencement of a strike by PENGASSAN, which is already having a very adverse impact on Nigerian citizens and the Nigerian economy,” he said.
The former 2023 Presidential candidate of Labour Party called for immediate dialogue to resolve the dispute between the union and the Dangote Petroleum Refinery.
“I strongly appeal to the Federal Government to intervene quickly to resolve this dispute in a manner that protects the interests of the Nigerian people, Nigerian workers, Nigerian investors and the economy at large.
“The protection of these interests in a win-win manner is the primary responsibility of any responsible government,” Obi added.
He further warned that failure to address the labour crisis promptly could deepen the suffering of already struggling Nigerians.
“The Federal Government must learn to nip in the bud the labour crisis that has the potential of creating further suffering for the already struggling citizens of our dear country,” Obi said.
