The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria has distanced itself from a Saturday protest that is being organized by a division of the organization in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
This occurred at the same time that IPMAN-affiliated individuals had asked reporters to attend a demonstration in Port Harcourt against State Commissioner of Police Friday Eboka.
Alhaji Debo Ahmed, the National President of IPMAN, praised the state police commissioner for his intervention in the strike by NUPENG and Petrol Tanker Drivers and urged security agencies to detain anyone associated with the planned protest, claiming that those behind it are not legitimate marketers of petroleum products.
The statement reads,”The National Executive Committee of Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria under the leadership of Alhaji Debo Ahmed, wish to dissociate ourselves from a proposed protest against the Commissioner of Police, Rivers State and the Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD) of NUPENG.
“The promoters of this protest are not real marketers of petroleum products across the state and its environs and the security agencies are called upon to arrest and profile them to avoid unnecessary breakdown of law and order.
“The Supreme Court judgment affirmed the 1997 Constitution of IPMAN which remains the operative instrument of the association, we therefore pass a vote of confidence on the Commissioner of Police, Rivers State and the PTD of NUPENG of Port Harcourt Zonal Council.
“We appreciate the Hon. Commissioner and the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Energy and Petroleum for their doggedness in ensuring smooth distribution of petroleum products across Rivers States and environs.”
