PENGASSAN targets rancor-free leadership transition in August

The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has taken steps to ensure its upcoming leadership transition in August is free from rancor and disharmony. The union has effected a transitional amendment that allows the Vice President to automatically replace the President upon the expiration of their tenure.

This new model aims to avoid the undue contestation and acrimony that have historically plagued PENGASSAN's leadership succession. National President Engr. Fetus Osifo explained that the union considered the issues arising from past transitions an avoidable distraction. "We did a transitional amendment that was unanimously passed in August last year where look at the best model that we can adopt in terms of succession," Osifo said.

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We did a transitional amendment that was unanimously passed in August last year where look at the best model that we can adopt in terms of succession.

Under the revised structure, the position of President will not be contested. Instead, the contestation will focus on the Vice or Deputy President role, as the First Vice President typically transits to become the President. "So whoever is elected the Deputy president in PENGASSAN is going to automatically become the next president. So there is no contestation again for the office of the president," Osifo stated. He believes this known succession path will reduce the tension typically associated with leadership changes.

Osifo made these remarks at a memorial event honoring the late former president of PENGASSAN, Comrade Francis Olabode Johnson. The union's current executive leadership tenure is expected to end in August, with a delegate conference scheduled to elect new national officers. While acknowledging that some members might still have resentments or agitations, Osifo expressed confidence that the new model sufficiently addresses the union's search for a peaceful transition.

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So whoever is elected the Deputy president in PENGASSAN is going to automatically become the next president. So there is no contestation again for the office of the president.