Following the use of bullets on peaceful protesters in Lekki on Tuesday, the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has threatened to withdraw its services nationwide to honour the Nigerian youths that were killed if the government fails to immediately produce the perpetrators of the heartless act.
In a statement released by PENGASSAN;
“We hereby call on the Government of President, Mohammadu Buhari, to provide adequate security for the protesters in line with democratic norms and to immediately produce the perpetrators of the dastardly act; failure of which we will convene an emergency meeting of our National Executive Council (NEC)to review the happenings in the Nation with the view of withdrawing our services Nationwide.”
“in view of the gruesome killings of unarmed protesters by armed Military personnels as seen on social media, at the Lekki toll gate last Tuesday night (20/10/2020), the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has viewed these images of shootings of peaceful #endsars protesters not just at Lekki toll gate but all over the country with sadness, heavy hearts and deep concerns for our Nation.
“Without mincing words, we vehemently say that this unfortunate incident falls short of any standard of civilization globally of handling peaceful protest in any democratic system.
“Our hearts bleed for innocent Nigerians who lost their lives or got injured in this senseless and inhumane action of the armed security agents of the government. Our deepest condolences, thoughts and prayers go to the families of the victims as well.
“As an institution that indulges in peaceful protest on a regular basis, there is a renewed sense of insecurity with the new tactics employed by the men of our armed forces. We are not against government arresting any hoodlum who may want to hide under the guise of the peaceful protest to perpetuate violence but to unleash this level of cruelty on peaceful and harmless protesters who were holding the National flag, singing the National anthem in demonstration of their belief in the course of the country by killing and injuring them is highly condemnable.”
“The President and Commander in Chief of the Nigeria Armed Forces must seize this opportunity to provide uncommon leadership and stir the ship of this nation to safety.
“PENGASSAN stands with you at these trying times as a threat to justice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”
Also speaking and condemning the attack on unarmed youths on Tuesday, the leadership of NUPENG in a statement stated that:
“Our hearts bleed for our youths who lost their lives or got injured in that senseless action of the armed security agents of government.
Our deepest thoughts and prayers are equally extended to their families as well.
“We ask our members nationwide to stay calm and safe at their various workplaces and be on alert as the leadership reviews the situation.”
