Fuel Crisis Looms as Petroleum Marketers in Oro Chapter Launches Indefinite Strike
Oron, August 14, 2024 — The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), Oro Chapter, has officially notified the Nigeria Police Force of its decision to withdraw services from the general public starting Thursday, August 15, 2024. This action follows a resolution passed by the association’s members in response to escalating security issues affecting their operations.
In a letter addressed to the Area Commander of the Nigeria Police Force in Oron, the Oro Chapter’s leadership outlined several critical reasons for the withdrawal:
- Indiscriminate Patrol and Extortion: The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Mbo Local Government Area has been accused of neglecting his constitutional mandate to protect lives and property. Instead, he is reportedly engaging in indiscriminate patrols and the forceful extortion of money from IPMAN members, leading to heightened insecurity since his assumption of duty.
- Traffic Congestion and Safety Risks: The Joint Task Force (JTF) has been cited for parking IPMAN members’ trucks for extended hours at Okobo Junction and Uya Oro Bridge in Oron Local Government Area. This has caused significant traffic congestion on the highway, posing severe risks due to the flammable nature of the petroleum products being transported.
- Seizure of Trucks by Operation Delta Safe (JTF): The association also highlighted the refusal of Operation Delta Safe in Uyo to release two trucks loaded with Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) to their rightful owners. This has resulted in considerable financial hardship for the affected business owners.
Given these unresolved issues, the IPMAN Oro Chapter has decided to shut down its operations indefinitely across the five Local Government Areas of Oro Nation. This decision underscores the association’s commitment to safeguarding the interests of its members and ensuring their right to conduct business in a secure and fair environment.
The IPMAN Oro Chapter’s executive committee, led by Chairman Deacon Otuakak Emenyi and Secretary Deacon Felix Anwanaukap, has formally informed the Area Commander of their decision. Copies of the notice have also been sent to the JTF Commander in Oron, the Department of State Services (DSS) in Oron L.G.A., and the Area Commander of the Civil Defence Corps in Oron.
The association has emphasized its willingness to engage in dialogue with relevant security agencies to resolve these issues and restore normalcy to their operations. However, until their demands are met, the service withdrawal will remain in effect.
The decision has sparked concern among residents and businesses in Oro Nation, who rely heavily on the services provided by IPMAN members. The community now awaits further developments as negotiations are expected to take place in the coming days.
