President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed deep sadness and
morns over the death of the President of Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff
Association of Nigeria, PENGASSAN, Comrade Francis Johnson on Friday.
President Buhari in a statement by his Senior Special
Assistant on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu said he joined the family,
members of PENGASSAN and all labour unions in the country in mourning the idealistic
leader, whose understanding, good nature, and forthrightness helped in
improving the welfare of workers, and contributed immensely to the firmness
witnessed in the oil sector.
President muhammadu buhari avowed that Johnson’s
broadmindedness and generosity of spirit by always putting the nation first
before all pecuniary gains shaped ease of relationship and smooth operations in
the oil sector between employers and workers, recognising his wise and
considerate positions in all negotiations.
He said he believed the labour leader’s demise was a
collective loss to the family, labour movement and the entire nation, urging
all loved ones to find solace in the legacy of sacrifice, diligence and
patriotism he left behind, especially in speaking up for the voiceless and
underprivileged.
The deceased, francis johnson who in 2014became President of the union, was said to have passed on after an ailment.
The General Secretary of PENGASSAN , Okugbawa Lumumba, confirmed the development, said members of the union were on their way to pay a condolence visit to the family, adding that a statement would later be issued. President Buhari prayed that the Almighty God will accept the soul of the departed, and comfort the family