By Ogochukwu Isioma
Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to maintain peace and ensure the security of vital oil infrastructure across the State, as he received the leadership of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), Edo State Chapter, at the Government House, Benin City.
Speaking during the courtesy visit by the newly-elected Chairman of IPMAN, Mr. Michael Ogiamen, alongside other executive members of the association, Governor Okpebholo commended the new leadership of IPMAN for resolving its internal crisis amicably and assured them of the State Government’s continued support in creating an enabling environment for petroleum marketers to operate smoothly.
The Governor said: “Let me thank the IPMAN leadership and members. The chairman, vice chairman, and regional chairman, I thank all of you because I was not around when the issue came up, and I was called upon. I quickly called my people to make sure that law and order were maintained.”
“I am happy today that you have come here to tell me that you are now in agreement. I also want you to call the other faction. Dialogue with them and absorb them into your group so that things can move smoothly.”
Governor Okpebholo also addressed concerns raised by the Association over pipeline vandalization along the Benin Depot–Warri Refinery corridor, assuring that the Government had already constituted a task force on pipeline monitoring to strengthen security in the State.
He added: “For the vandalization of pipelines, we have already set up a task force on pipeline monitoring. We will take charge on our own part. But the Warri part, that is Delta State. I will also talk to the Governor to see how we can jointly monitor the pipelines so that there will be no vandalization going forward.”
Okpebholo further hinted that his administration would empower the office of the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on Pipeline Surveillance, Hon. Joseph Okonigene to enhance effective monitoring and protection of petroleum infrastructure in Edo State.
Earlier, in his remarks, the new chairman of IPMAN, Mr. Micheal Ogiamen assured the Governor of IPMAN’s commitment to transparency, unity, and continuity of leadership within the association.
He said: “I can honestly tell you, sir, that at the expiration of my tenure of three years, I will hand over to my vice here, Mr. Pius. That has been our practice, and it will not change according to our constitution.”
Governor Okpebholo’s engagement with IPMAN is part of his administration’s broader efforts to promote industrial peace, energy security, and efficient fuel distribution within Edo State.
Chairman of the committee set up by the Governor to resolve the internal crisis in IPMAN, Comrade Eribo Nwanta and members, all expressed appreciation to Okpebholo for his swift intervention in the IPMAN leadership crisis, which they said has restored peace in the association.
The Deputy Governor, Rt Hon. Dennis Idahosa and other top government officials were also present at the meeting.
