The Cross River State Government has sued for collaboration with the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria to harness oil sector proceeds.
The government also acknowledged the harmonious working relationship between the Calabar Unit of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) led by Mr. Robert Obi and affiliate bodies operating in the Calabar Petroleum Depot.
Speaking to a delegation of IPMAN stakeholders in his office, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Professor Anthony Owan-Enoh expressed appreciation to the oil sector players for their endeavors towards cordially resolving conflicts while prioritizing the collective interest of all parties above individualistic and trivial concerns.
Peace and harmony
Owan-Enoh,who highlighted the importance of the oil sector and the need for cooperation, said, “the state government is grateful for the hard work and harmony in the oil sector. The Nigerian economy is heavily dependent on oil and any sneeze in the sector affects the entire nation. CRS is not excluded.
“We crave for harmony in the oil sector of Cross River because only through harmony, calm, understanding among stakeholders can the government have the best. We know the role you play in terms of your contributions to the growth of the economy of the state in supply, taxes and other revenue sources,” the SSG said.
“On behalf of the state government, I must convey the position of the present administration stands for peace, harmony, understanding, cooperation and growth. No one man can do it alone. Not government, not you. We must come together in synergy to get the best for this state.
“We hope that the state government can work in partnership with the various stakeholders in the oil sector for the betterment of our dear state and nation at large. The governor’s development mantra is ‘ People First’ and this has been designed to provide the best of leadership,” He added.
Support for cooperation
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), Prince Robert Obi congratulated Governor Bassey Otu and his deputy, Mr. Peter Odey on their electoral victory and subsequent swearing into office.
Obi told the SSG that the purpose of the visit was to introduce the IPMAN leadership and stakeholders of the depot community to the government.
The IPMAN chairman urged the government to be wary of individuals with the intent to cause trouble between the host communities and depot officials in the process fete their fat pockets and selfish aggrandizement.
While soliciting the government’s cooperation, he pledged the association’s support to the Otu-led government.
Olusola Akintonde
