A group of Civil Society Organisations under the aegis of Coalition Of Patriots Against Agents Of Corruption (COPAAC) has taken a swipe at the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and its affiliate bodies over comments targeted at the Minister of State for
Petroleum, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu.

COPAAC condemned calls by the labour unions on the minister to resign for what it termed, his (Kachikwu) daring to reveal the truth that “it is cheaper to import refined petroleum than to refine locally,” pointing that it is a statement of fact based on the realities on ground.

Speaking on behalf of the group, in a statement, its National President, Mr. Linus Ejilogo accused the unions of attempting to intimidate the minister.

Ejilogo said: “They cannot now think that they can use the ploy of blackmailing Dr Kachikwu as the roundabout way of rehabilitating their credibility with the citizens.

“They did not save us from the cabal then, so they should not compound what is on ground.

“Let us not forget how union leaders hijacked the Occupy Nigeria Protests against fuel price hike in 2012 to negotiate juicy panel, committee and other appointments for themselves.

“Once they got the appointments, countless people that died in the protests became mere statistics that translated into how much money the unionists could negotiate for themselves.
“The refineries in Nigeria cannot compete favourably in terms of production cost benefit compared to more modern refineries from where we get products abroad.”

The group advised the labour unions to focus on discussing practical steps that could be taken to ensure that Nigerians get steady fuel supply pending when a solution like building new refineries can be implemented.

COPAAC which said it was not in support of continued importation of refined petroleum products instead of producing locally, however, appealed that the Minster of State for Petroleum, Dr Ibe Kachikwu should be given time and supported by Nigerians to clean up the mess he met in the industry.

Vanguardngr