F. O. JOHNSON: THE NEXT PRESIDENT TUC NEVER HAD. REST IN POWER.
On Thursday, 27th. May, 2019, the President of Pentroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, PENGASSAN died at about 3.00 am in an hospital in Portharcourt city, River State. He had just returned from Dubai that week. He complained of stomach upset the night before and was rushed to the hospital only to bid this cruel earth good bye in the wee hours of the next morning.
Born forty eight years ago , Francis Olabode Johnson hails from Lagos Island in Lagos State. He is reputed to be a jolly good fellow by his colleagues, Comrades, associates, friends and family.
He took over the reins of Administration of PENGASSAN in 2013 and was billed to hand over power in June this to pursue higher level of service to the labour movement as the President of Trade Union Congress of Nigeria, TUC. As it were, I arrangements have been concluded to field him as the unanimous, consensus candidate for this post later this month.
During his tenure as the President of PENGASSAN, he demonstrated exemplary humane leadership by example. His style was practical engagement of the various managements in the sector under his watch to ensure full execution of Collective Bargaining Agreement. He negotiated good Redundancy Agreement package with terminal benefits for workers affected. He was the Chairman of the joint sectoral union, NUPENGASSAN entrenching cordial relationships between the union as against the prevailent belligerent relations before his leadership. He and the President of NUPENG, Williams Akporeha related like blood brothers.
Johnson was an intense humanitarian. One of the leaders of the union, Ngozo Chiweizie, the zonal Chairperson of Women in PENGASSAN broke down in controllable tears when she had of the news of his sudden demise. Johnson had personally sponsored one of her children for medical treatment abroad to the tune of Five million Naira.
As we commiserate with the family, PENGASSAN,the oil sector and entire labour movement,n, we urge his fighting soul and deeds to keep haunting the traducers of the labour movement and all oppressed working as well as toiling People.
Signed:
WORKBOND INTERNATIONAL NETWORK ( WIN)
OMOTAJE OLAWALE- SAINT