The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) is set for a leadership transition as its president, Williams Akporeha, prepares to exit office at the end of April after eight years at the helm.
Akporeha announced his departure at the weekend during the Quarterly National Executive Council meeting of the Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD) Branch in Warri, Delta State, confirming that the union will elect a new president on April 24 in Lagos.
Checks indicate that Salimon Akanni Oladiti, a former PTD National Chairman and current National Trustee of the union, is poised to emerge as the next president. His emergence would mark a historic first, with a PTD member ascending to NUPENG’s top office.
The move gained momentum at the meeting, where Joseph Okafor moved a motion for Oladiti’s unanimous ratification, seconded by Adekunle Akinlaja.
In what sounded like valedictory remarks, Akporeha expressed gratitude to PTD members for their steadfast support throughout his tenure.
“Eight years ago, you stood by me, in this same room. You didn’t only stand by me, you supported me. When things were tough, you were there through all the challenges.
“I want to appreciate all of you. If I stand to support one of your own as President, I have no apology. If I had done anything otherwise, my conscience would have troubled me. God used you to install me,” he said.
He urged members to rally behind Oladiti and the newly elected PTD National Chairman, Mathias Ote, to sustain the union’s stability and growth.
“By the grace of God, as I move along I want to see a union stronger than I left it. I don’t want to see PTD go in disarray. The greatest favour you can do is to support this man that you have elected today as your national chairman. Also support your own that will be the President, by the grace of God on 24th of April,” he added.
In his inaugural remarks, Ote pledged to justify the confidence reposed in him.
“Sincerely, I appreciate all our members and leaders for finding me worthy… there are so many other capable and competent hands, but by your collective decision I was elected,” he said.
“Silver or gold I have none but what I have, which is good leadership, I will spare nothing in providing it.”
Meanwhile, President of the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO), Lawal Yusuf Othman, commended NUPENG for steering a peaceful transition.
“I once again want to appreciate NUPENG. NARTO will continue to give you the necessary support,” he said.
Leave a comment