Public Affairs Analyst Kemi Shittu has cautioned that the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) may lose its battle with Dangote Group because Nigerians increasingly view the businessman as working in their interests.
Speaking during an interview with Channels TV from 2:57, She warned that the union’s actions could backfire and turn public opinion against them. “Are we trying to go back to the days where all we did was import petrol and all that we needed and we were held by the jugular by the people bringing in fuel? So, it’s a catch-22 situation,” she said.
The analyst advised the union to proceed carefully given shifting public sentiment. “I would say the unions should tread carefully; the people are beginning to feel that Dangote is on their side because he’s bringing down the petrol price every now and then, supplying fuel to filling stations, you know, at no cost and all of that,” Shittu explained.
She characterized the situation as increasingly putting organized labor at odds with ordinary citizens. “So, now it’s like the people against the union. In a situation like this, the unions have to look at the best interest for Nigerians, for the workers, in such a way that they do not tilt the people against themselves,” the analyst stated.
She warned of potential consequences if fuel scarcity worsens due to the strike. “Because as it is right now, if the scarcity bites harder, people are going to feel that the union is against them, and then the people will revolt even against the union,” she said.
The analyst drew a historical parallel to emphasize the stakes involved. “And we risk going back to the days of Abacha, where the unions were proscribed because they were said not to be in the best interest of Nigerians and the government at that time,” Shittu cautioned.
She emphasized the economic importance of keeping the Dangote refinery operational. “A 650,000 barrels refinery is not the kind of thing you want to shut down, because to come alive alone, it takes a lot. So, you’re not going to try to shut all of that off,” she declared. See, More, Here>>>
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