Tanker Drivers Reaffirm Confidence in PTD, NUPENG Disown “Faceless Elders” Group Call for Arrest and Prosecution of Impostors

Concerned tanker drivers from different parts of the country have raised alarm over public statements issued by a faceless group operating under the banner of the “PTD Elders Forum.”

The drivers dismissed the group as unknown to the Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD) bylaws and the NUPENG Constitution, accusing it of spreading falsehoods to mislead the public.

It will be recalled that Comrades Williams Akporeha and Afolabi Olawale, President and General Secretary of NUPENG respectively, had earlier alerted the public and security agencies that the so-called PTD Elders Forum consisted of infiltrators with a sinister motive to destabilize the genuine leadership of the PTD Branch of NUPENG.

They also reaffirmed that Comrade Augustine Egbon remains the duly elected National Chairman of PTD-NUPENG, following the Branch Delegates Conference held in Lagos on July 3, 2024.

Speaking at a press briefing in Lagos, tanker drivers from Kaduna, Lagos, Port-Harcourt, and Warri Zones distanced themselves from the “PTD Elders,” describing them as impostors masquerading as tanker drivers.

From Kaduna Zone, Comrade Bashir Izalan expressed shock that a faceless group could lay claim to PTD membership.

He stated:

> “There is nothing like PTD Elders in the structure of PTD-NUPENG. We don’t know them. The only recognised National Chairman we acknowledge is Comrade Egbon. His leadership has been transparent, giving us a sense of belonging. From health insurance to prompt support whenever we encounter problems with our employers or vehicles, the union always stands by us nationwide.”

In the Lagos Zone, Comrade Itanola Abiodun told reporters that the impostors do not belong to the union, calling on security agencies to arrest and prosecute them.

He said:

> “Every member of the union belongs to a recognised unit and zone. These people cannot point to any such unit or zone. They are impostors, hired to destabilize our union. They are not speaking for us.”

Similarly, Comrade Chukwudi Okafor of the Port-Harcourt Zone dismissed allegations that PTD leaders misappropriate check-off dues and loading fees.

He explained:

> “These funds, paid by truck owners (NARTO), are used to provide health insurance, welfare needs, and emergency assistance to drivers. We benefit directly from them and have absolute confidence in our leaders’ management of these funds.”

He further urged the government to continue supporting PTD-NUPENG, describing the union as a vital lifeline for tanker drivers across the country.

From the Warri Zone, Comrade Dennis Akore accused disgruntled former members of attempting to reclaim power through illegitimate means after losing at the 2024 delegates’ election.

According to him:

> “These impostors once abandoned tanker drivers when they held leadership positions. After being voted out, they began sponsoring fake groups to discredit PTD-NUPENG. They even attempted to attack our national officers in Abuja and are still facing criminal charges. Security agencies must act swiftly to expose their activities.”