The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers has disassociated itself from a group calling itself the Elders of its Petroleum Tanker Drivers branch.

In a statement on Sunday, signed by National President Williams Akporeha and General Secretary Afolabi Olawale, NUPENG stated that the group has no recognition under its constitution.

The union also cautioned the public and media to disregard the so-called “PTD Elders.”

The union said these anonymous groups and individuals are falsely presenting themselves as leaders and elders of NUPENG’s PTD branch.

“It has come to our attention that these unscrupulous elements are operating under the non-existent and illegitimate banner of “PTD Elders” or “PTD Leaders” to deceive, manipulate, mislead and create confusion within the oil and gas sector and the wider public,” the statement reads.

NUPENG further stated that the only recognized and constitutionally elected executive of its PTD branch is the leadership headed by Comrade Augustine Egbon as national chairman.

“There is no known or recognized group within the PTD-NUPENG known as “PTD Elders” or “PTD Leaders,” the union said.

NUPENG therefore urged the public and media to disregard any communication, directive, or request from anyone claiming to represent a “PTD Elders” group.

“To All Stakeholders: All legitimate engagements with the Petroleum Tanker Drivers must be conducted only through the officially recognized office of the PTD led by Comrade Augustine Egbon,” the union said

NUPENG also called on security agencies to identify, arrest, and prosecute anyone involved in this fraudulent impersonation, insisting they should face the full weight of the law.