Anambra Govt Sues For Peace as Petroleum Marketers Demand Compensation

Anambra State Commissioner for Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Mr Anthony Ifeanya has sued for peace as marketers threaten total shut down if their members affected by the proposed demolition by Anambra government are not compensated.

He assured residents in the state that the oil marketers and dealers are not on strike.

Ifeanya who confirmed this in a telephone interview with Voice Of Nigeria, disclosed that he earlier had a meeting with the marketers immediately after the announcement on fuel subsidy removal was made.

He stated that the association decided to hold a subsequent meeting which was scheduled to take place today in furtherance of their previous discussion during their last meeting on June 6, 2023.

Earlier,the Commissioner had an understanding with Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) and Petrol Dealers in the state to the effect that since government has finally removed subsidy, fuel stations must not manipulate their pumps, must not hoard fuel to cause unnecessary scarcity, must sell all petroleum products on acceptable price agreed and approved by all across the state.

He further assured  Anambra citizens that the meeting is in the interest of all and reason for closure of fuel stations is to ensure all the marketers attended the vital meeting in full as agreed by the leadership of IPMAN in the state and its relevant bodies.

The commissioner urged residents  to go about their businesses and avoid panic buying as the fuel stations will resume shortly as soon as the marketers are done with their meeting.

Meanwhile,the Chairman of IPMAN, Enugu depot, covering six states including Anambra, Mr Chinedu Anyaso, emphasized in an emergency meeting with Anambra marketers  today in Awka, that they need Anambra state government to adequately compensate their members whose  fuel stations have been marked for demolition.

He stated that thirteen fuel stations will soon be demolished by the state government to pave way for building of flyover and roads in Ekwulobia, Aguata local government Area of the state.

The chairman Petrol Dealers Association (PEDAN) Anambra State, Chief Peter Obi Okafor, announced that Governor Soludo is yet to respond to the letter from the association concerning the demolition of the 13 filling stations.

However,Mr Anyaso who affirmed that currently, there is no fixed price for petroleum products in South East, urged marketers to sell as they buy. He also said that Petroleum Equalization Fund (PEF) ,will no longer be sustained.Presently, filling stations are selling petroleum products between ₦520 and ₦600, in Anambra State.

The IPMAN chairman begged governor Soludo to respond to their letter and engage them in a fruitful dialogue ;which will lead to adequate compensation of their members before the proposed demolition, as the effect will be disastrous on them and their families if proper compensation is skipped.

 Moreso,the association has threathened to shutdown all filling stations in Anambra state if the state government fails to pay adequate compensation to owners of the filling stations , marked for demolition.

In his response on phone with Voice of Nigeria,on the situation, the state petroleum Commissioner, Honourable Ifeanya, said residential buildings were also marked for demolition alongside the filling stations.But he emphasized that the government cannot do anything to harm its citizens rather, it strives to protect and provide for them.He therefore, assured that the issue between government and IPMAN in the state will be resolved amicably.

It is noteworthy that all filling stations in Anambra State have started attending to customers after suspending sales earlier today, for their emergency delibration.