Transport fares for inter and intra-city travel in Akwa Ibom State have skyrocketed by over 200 percent following the closure of petrol stations and other outlets by the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN).
According to LEADERSHIP, IPMAN raised fuel prices to between N2,000 and N2,500 per litre on Tuesday.
In a statement explaining the reasons for this decision, IPMAN Chairman, Comrade Francis Udoyen, and Secretary Prince Ekom Idemudo announced that the union called on its members to act in solidarity and demand the release of fuel-laden trucks that had been confiscated by the Joint Task Force (JTF) four months ago.
The directive to halt operations was issued in a statement titled ‘Notice of Withdrawal of Services Over Confiscation of PMS – Loaded Trucks by JTF Personnel.’
It stated, “In accordance with our commitment to support one another in all situations, and drawing strength from the resolution made at our last emergency congress concerning our members’ trucks in JTF custody for four months, you are hereby directed to close your filling stations to the public effective Tuesday, September 24, 2024.
“This action has the endorsement of our national office, and non-compliance will result in appropriate consequences.”
In response, Comrade Sam Osung, Chairman of the Natural Oil and Gas Association of Nigeria (NOGASA) in the state, condemned IPMAN’s actions as criminal, blaming the government for failing to take decisive action against those accused of misconduct in the sector.
Osung recounted that operatives from Operation Delta Safe (ODS), led by the 2 Brigade, had seized two trucks of petroleum and 44 drums of petrol from six filling stations in Ibaka, Mbo local government area, over four months ago.
He explained, “The filling stations were accused of smuggling petroleum products. IPMAN held a press conference demanding the immediate release of the seized trucks, then subsequently closed their filling stations and protested in Oron LGA.
“The ODS, led by the Army, indicated that if the owners believed in their innocence, they should take legal action. Smuggling is a form of economic sabotage, and any innocent marketer should pursue legal recourse to establish their case.”
He added that IPMAN was attempting to pressure the Army into releasing their trucks without proving their innocence and noted that they had enlisted the Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTDs) to prevent fuel from entering Akwa Ibom since last Monday.
“The Army was informed and sought to rescue the impounded trucks, escorting them to their owners while requesting documentation that authorized them to prevent tankers from entering any state.
“The government is aware of this situation, yet no action has been taken. The government must intervene. They need to fulfill their role,” he emphasized.
“They previously attempted to frame me as the issue, believing my knowledge of their operations was a threat. They formed a coalition against me, leading the governor to dismiss me.
“That didn’t resolve anything. I wish the government would deal with the matter fairly, recognizing the rights and privileges of all involved; instead, they seemed more interested in making me the scapegoat,” Osung, a former aide to Governor Umo Eno, stated.
