AGAIN: Groups Task Lawmakers To Intervene For NNPC Reinstatement Of Sacked Workers

Rising from the security situations which has been brewing between the Warri Refinery and Petrochemical Company (WRPC) and it’s host communities due to outright disregard and marginalization by management of oil and gas firm, the Delta State Peace Movement (DSPM) and HOSTCOM have appealed to the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the leadership of the National Assembly to mandate the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) to obey the order given them by the green chamber.

The issue bothering on marginalisation between NNPC/WRPC against the host communities have lingered for over a year.

In a statement signed by the chairman Chief Moses Akpojovwe on behalf of the group, chief Moses Akpojovwe noted that three months have passed since the leadership of the House directed NNPC to reinstate the sacked workers and make themselves available before the House Committee on Public Petitions which is presently handling the issues raised by the Host communities and the Support Staff regarding the regularization of their job status which has benefited the NNPC in various fields for over fifteen years as casual workers.

“There is already a growing tension in Warri and it’s environs which could result to breakdown of law and order if the NNPC management keeps treating the host communities and it’s kinsmen without regards.

“It is on record that the NNPC management before now has told the community leadership that they are above the law and nobody can give them order that they should honour.

“DSPM is using this medium to bring to the notice of the green chamber and it’s leadership that NNPC/WRPC actions as created much tension within and around warri which when not properly handle can lead to breakdown of law and order considering the hardship there actions as course on the citizens of the state.

Akpojovwe emphasized that NNPC may lead to complete breakdown of law and order in the coming weeks in Warri and Environs if not caution.

On his part, the chairman of HOSTCOM, Engr. Tuoyo Woligho, noted that what the NNPC is doing by playing hanky-panky with such a sensitive issue capable of plunging the entire nation into serious economic & security crisis is like playing with raw fire. Even more so at a time the whole nation is still grappling with the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Engr. Woligho stressed that communities under his leadership are hosts to critical assets and facilities in Warri such as the Nigerian Gas Company, PPMC, NPDC, DPR, Warri Refinery (WRPC) and the NNPC housing units which have all enjoyed a peaceful and cordial atmosphere for smooth operations over the years.

He therefore wondered why the NNPC would have chosen to turn around to marginalize their friendly hosts and even treat their royal fathers and traditional institutions with such discontent and disregard.

He further noted, that with this high level of danger created by the actions of the NNPC, should the National Assembly fail to successfully intervene as soon as possible, there is bound be major breakdown of law and order within Warri and it environs.

“This communities have been hosting NNPC for over four decades, but none of their sons or kinsmen have been able to attain any significant managerial positions as the only openings accessible to them have been casual employments for these long periods of time.

” And yet, the NNPC management proceeded to sack the few once who they employed as causal staff for years because the community demanded that this person should be regularize to NNPC staff status.

Since the NNPC has ignored all advice and entreaties for cordial working relationship with their hosts, they must be ready to face the challenges they created with their own hands.