NUPENG/NSCDC Dispute: We Obtained Forfeiture Order In Handling Petroleum Tankers And Products – NSCDC
The reported altercation between the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) and the Rivers State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), which culminated into a traffic jam along the Olu Obasanjo Way, GRA in Port Harcourt appears to be on the mend.
Sources say NUPENG accused the State Command of the Corps for not following due process in handling the case of 3 Petroleum tankers impounded and handed over to the NSCDC Rivers State by the Nigerian Army, 6 Division Garrison, Port Harcourt on 4th November, 2022.
However, a Statement issued by the Director, Public Relations, NSCDC Headquarters in Abuja, CC Olusola Odumosu has revealed that the NSCDC Commandant General (CG), Dr Ahmed Audi had directed a high powered delegation to meet with the State Executive of NUPENG and other stakeholders to resolve the situation amicably.
“The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Rivers State Command condemned this act by NUPENG which was borne out of its refusal to accept the forfeiture of the 3 tankers.
“According to the State Commandant, the Command obtained the forfeiture order from the Federal High Court 6, Port Harcourt Judicial Division on the 20th of December, 2022.”
The Statement further states that the Command did place an advert in the Punch Newspaper and Newspaper Surveillance, volume 24, on Monday 23rd January, 2023 to notify the general public on the court order and to give room for objections if any, within a stipulated time.
“The Corps wishes to inform the public that due process was followed in handling the tankers and the petroleum products due to its flammable nature. Also, the trucks were neither illegally impounded nor defaced as alleged by NUPENG,” the Statement claims.
It adds that a possible truce has been reached on the matter as both parties and other stakeholders remain supportive in the fight against oil bunkering activities.
