By Christian Njoku
The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has inaugurated a 16-member Caretaker Committee (CTC) to oversee its Eastern Zone for a 90-day tenure.
Also inaugurated was the Calabar Depot task force to oversee surveillance and intelligence issues between Cross River and Akwa Ibom.
Speaking at the inauguration in on Friday in Calabar, IPMAN National President, Alhaji Abubakar Shettima, said the committee followed the death of Eastern Zonal Chairman, Chief Larry Nworuh.
Represented by the National Secretary Mr James Tor, Shettima said the national executive constituted the committee after extensive consultations with critical stakeholders to ensure continuity and stability within the association.
“The caretaker committee, led by Mr Nsikak Sunday, would manage the zone’s affairs while creating a peaceful atmosphere for a credible zonal election.
“I urge members to demonstrate humility, teamwork and inclusiveness, as these are the traits needed from all stakeholders across the Eastern Zone to move the zone forward,” he said.
Shettima also commended the Cross River Government for providing a conducive business environment through infrastructure development and effective security across the state.
Responding, the CTC Chairman, Sunday, described his inauguration as the outcome of perseverance despite challenges encountered before the committee’s emergence.
He pledged that the committee would carry every stakeholder along and promote peace, unity and cooperation throughout its three-month assignment.
Similarly, Mr Nickson Ahanonu National Coordinator IPMAN’s taskforce on Monitoring Surveillance and Intelligence warned taskforce members against aiding illegal oil bunkering, pipeline vandalism and petroleum product adulteration.
Ahanonu cautioned operatives against accepting bribes from criminal syndicates, stressing that any member compromising the assignment would face disciplinary measures and legal sanctions.
He directed the Eastern Zonal Taskforce Coordinator, Mr Emmanuel Ogbonna to closely monitor task force members and ensure professionalism, accountability and strict compliance with IPMAN’s mandate.
Ahanonu also pledged to investigate reports of suspected petroleum product smuggling around Calabar and collaborate with security agencies to apprehend offenders where necessary.
It will be recalled that the association had passed through difficult times with tussle over leadership that has broken the association into factions.
