The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), on Wednesday inaugurated a caretaker executive committee to oversee the affairs of the association in Cross River State, pending when elections will be conducted.
The 19 man exco headed by Hon. Peter Okim is saddled with the responsibility of uniting members and ensuring the conduct of a free, fair and credible election thereby ushering a substantive executive for the association.
Speaking during the ceremony, the South South Zonal chairman of IPMAN, Chief Lawrence Nworu urged members of the new Exco to do everything in their power to bring all members under one umbrella and to return the association to its former glory. He cautioned them not to follow the footsteps of the former exco, while revealing that the association has entered into partnership with the government at the centre to introduce
Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) as alternative to petrol, diesel and kerosene to caution the effect of the removal of subsidy on Nigerians.
Also in attendance, the governor of Cross River State, Sen. Prince Bassey Edet Otu expressed willingness to partner IPMAN to caution the effects of subsidy removal on citizens. Sen. Otu who was represented by the Secretary to the state government, Prof. Anthony Owan-Enoh described the association as a critical player in the petroleum sector, adding that such a partnership would go a long way in solidifying the relationship between the government and the private sector. Otu reiterated his commitment to providing people oriented leadership at all times, while expressing confidence in Peter Okim’s ability to lead the independent petroleum marketers in the state.
Addressing newsmen shortly after the inauguration of the state caretaker executive committee, the new chairman, Hon. Peter Okim said the association would be honoured to partner government to reduce the hardships currently faced by citizens occasioned by the removal of fuel subsidy. He maintained that, as the second highest employer of labour, it would be their delight to partner government to drive home people oriented policies and programs. Okim added that the Governor of Cross River state, Sen. Prince Bassey Otu has shown considerable interest in the sector with a view to contributing to its growth.
Eriacy Confidence Oba
IPMAN Media
Cross River State.
