PTDA crisis deepens, as Yero fails to reconcile factions

From Mohammad Ibrahim, Kaduna

Kaduna state governor Muktar Ramalan Yero’s effort to reconcile aggrieve parties in the Petroleum Tankers Drivers Association (PTDA) state chapter failed as crisis deepens  after the two parties met with the  governor yesterday.

It was gathered that the state governor invited the aggrieved factions, led by immediate past chairman of the association, Alhaji Gambo Tuge and Comrade Nuhu Mohammed ‘Intelligent’, including  the National Union of Petroleum and natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) national leaders  to Sir Kashim Ibrahim (Government) House for a discussion on the crisis.

The meeting began around to 11 a.m., inside the governor’s chamber and lasted for about an hour.

Although journalists were barred from entering the chamber, it was gathered that during the meeting, the governor drew their attention to peace, as he advised them to go and conduct a fresh election so as to have peace in the association.

But, when they came out,  the NUPENG delegation decided to go against the governor’s advice for a new election to be conducted, as they ordered Tuge’s faction, whom, some few days ago claimed to have been elected, to go and enter the office as recognised executives of the association in the state.

Comrade Nuhu’s faction, however, kicked against this decision, as they  insisted that a fresh election be held, because according to them, no election was held in the state.

Peoples Daily further gathered  that, from the Government  House, Alhaji Gambo Tuge and his supporters drove in high speed to the Kaduna Refinery and Petrochemical  Company (KRPC), in their effort to enter the office as elected officials, while Comrade Nuhu’s loyalists too were seen making phone calls to their supporters at KRPC, ostensibly not to allow the other faction access to the office.

A member of the association, who identified himself as Ibrahim, said there is tension at KRPC due to the lingering crisis.

“There is tension because of this crisis in KRPC, where the office was located. We are here to see how they will enter the office as ordered by the national body leadership; we will make sure they do not enter this office until fresh election holds,” he said.

He said the Police, who are guiding the office, refused to give all factions access to the office for fear of violence.

Efforts to speak with the self-acclaimed Chairman, Alhaji Gambo Tuge failed, as he didn’t pick his calls.

It could be recalled that few days ago, Comrade Nuhu ‘Intelligent’ urged the FG to intervene in the crisis, as he also accused the national body of the association of taking sides, which he said would not yield positive result to the association.