NUPENG Labels Oshiomhole the ‘Judas Iscariot’ of Nigerian Trade Unionism

The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) has launched a fierce attack on Senator Adams Oshiomhole, labeling him the “Judas Iscariot of trade unionism” in response to his controversial remarks on the ongoing labour dispute between Dangote Refinery and the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN).

In a strongly worded statement signed by NUPENG President, Comrade Williams Akporeha, and General Secretary, Comrade Afolabi Olawale, the union condemned Oshiomhole’s comments as a “reprehensible attack on workers’ rights” and a “blatant distortion of Nigerian labour laws and International Labour Organisation (ILO) conventions.”

The union expressed disbelief that a former Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) president would now side with corporate interests against organized labour, accusing Oshiomhole of betraying the values he once stood for.

“It is disheartening that someone who once championed workers’ rights is now defending anti-union practices and justifying the mass dismissal of over 800 engineers for exercising their right to unionize,” the statement read.

NUPENG pointedly referenced former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s past criticism of Oshiomhole as “a comrade in the morning and a politician at night,” suggesting that the senator has abandoned his roots in favour of political convenience.

The union questioned Oshiomhole’s moral authority, citing past controversies, including his dual role as NLC President and General Secretary of the National Union of Textile, Garment and Tailoring Workers of Nigeria (NUTGTWN) from 1999 to 2007, only resigning from the latter in 2008.

“Does this history not reveal a pattern of clinging to power and influence at the expense of principle?” the statement asked.

NUPENG also dismissed Oshiomhole’s suggestion of a “moratorium on unionization” as “absurd, undemocratic, and lacking any legal basis,” challenging him to cite any constitutional or statutory provision that supports such a claim.

Citing legal protections for union activity under Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), and ILO Conventions 87 and 98, the union argued that PENGASSAN’s solidarity strike was lawful and consistent with global labour standards.

“The principle that an injury to one is an injury to all underpins global trade unionism. PENGASSAN’s action is both legal and morally justified,” NUPENG stated.

The union described Oshiomhole’s current stance as a stark reversal from his days on the ILO Governing Council, accusing him of “historical revisionism and selective amnesia.”

Referencing journalist Reuben Abati’s comment about the disappearance of Oshiomhole’s iconic aluta attire, NUPENG said his transformation from labour icon to perceived anti-union advocate was complete.

“His current role is not that of a pragmatic reformer but of an apostate, seduced by power and aligned with capitalist interests hostile to workers’ rights,” the union said.

Declaring Oshiomhole persona non grata within Nigeria’s oil and gas labour space, NUPENG pledged not to attend or support any event featuring the senator and urged the NLC, TUC, and civil society organizations to follow suit.

“Senator Oshiomhole has forfeited all moral authority in labour matters. His statements do not reflect the realities of workers’ struggles but rather seek to embolden those who profit from oppression,” the union concluded.

NUPENG reaffirmed its unwavering solidarity with PENGASSAN and the dismissed engineers, vowing to pursue justice through all legal and industrial avenues permitted under Nigerian law and international conventions.