VIDEO: How Sani Abacha dealt with Labour Union strike in 1993/1998

A video of late Nigerian military Head of State, General Sani Abacha dealt with the labour unions NUPENG and PENGASSAN during his tenure in 1993-1998.

The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) is a trade union representing workers in the extractive industries in Nigeria while PENGASSAN stands for Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria.

During Abacha’s leadership it was reported that the two unions embarked on a strike action which did not seat well with the Head of State.

In an address to the nation Abacha dissolved the leadership of both NUPENG and PENGASSAN at the state and national level.

He, however, appointed an administrator to oversee the affairs of the unions.
Abacha said;

“We have come to the point where the situation can no longer be tolerated. It is in the overall interest that this unpatriotic act being perpetuated by the leadership of NUPENG and PENGASSAN be dealt with decidedly. Accordingly, the executives of both unions, the NUPENG and PENGASSAN at both national and state level are hereby dissolved. This action is with immediate effect. A sole administrator will be appointed immediately to oversee the affairs of both unions.”

The old video of Abacha surfaced following the recent strike action conducted by the National Labour Congress, TUC and ASUU in several states across the country.

This move by the NLC raised concerns as many complained over the effect of the strike on their businesses in an already struggling economy.

Reacting to the resurfaced video of Abacha, here are some comments from Nigerians on social media.

@_kabiruharuna: The military rule is better than democracy by far, the only downs i see during the military rule was, no freedom of speech.

@UgoBoss_Tony: One of the best regime in Nigeria.

@pinky_ruthie: Back then Nigerians including myself called Abacha "The Tyrant", meanwhile the main Tyrant is in Presidential Villa Abuja in 2023

@kolarwaheed: ACTIONS! Something these spineless civilian governments don't have.

@leroikris: Now what do we have a civilian dictatorship and oppressor that cares about only the cabals and his family.

@Perazimkel: We now have a civilian dictator. The make decrees from behind the scene. The judiciary is their major weapon. Thugs are their foot soldiers

Watch the video below;