PENGASSAN expresses solidarity with anti-police brutality protesters, denies shutting down of filling stations

By allcitynews.ng

The leadership of Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), has expressed support with ongoing protesters against police brutality.

Just as the union denied shutting down of filling stations. This became imperative following the rumour going around that the senior staff union in oil and gas industry, in solidarity with EndSARS protests, is planning to shut down filling stations across, the country.

The statement jointly signed by the President, Comrade Festus Osifo and the General Secretary, Comrade Lumumba Okugbawa, reiterated their support for the protests against police brutality, and demanded Federal Government to put an end to brutality in all and any form.

The duo pointed out that “in the past few weeks, reports have come to light detailing the excessive use of force by police officers: including unjustified shootings, severe beating, with most resulting in unwarranted deaths. The inhumane treatment meted to Nigerians especially youths is evident. These reports show systemic abuse and reflect the fact that significant barriers to accountability exist, and therefore prevent erring officers from facing justice.”

PENGASSAN vowed not only to continue to fight all Nigerians who have been molested, harassed, assaulted, and killed by those who were employed to protect them but will also not continue to fight for justice and a better Nigeria for the future generation.

“The #EndSars protests transcend police brutality. It is a cry for accountability in government and reforms of the political and societal landscape.

“A Nigeria that works for all its citizens across all verticals of the society, is “all” we seek. We call on Nigerian Government at all levels to hear the voice of its people, put an end to maladministration, lack of accountability, mismanagement of resources, and Police brutality.”

These protests, according to PENGASSAN is initiating the much-needed reforms in all sectors of our country; keeping in mind that insecurity of any kind, be it political, economic, or physical, in any place or to anyone is insecurity to and for us all.

“All Nigerians and friends with ‘Goodwill’ are hereby encouraged to maintain the peace, maturity, and coordination with which we have conducted these protests from the start in our demand for a better Country, which is our fundamental human right.”