OGHENETEJIRI NYERHOVWO

Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has rolled out time table for election into position for various officers to be at the helm of its affairs just as they have called on government agencies as well as non members not to interfere in the affairs of the association.

In a statement signed by Chief Benjamin Odjugo and El-nassarula Ogbo, chairman and secretary respectively, IPMAN-Warri Depot Stakeholders at the end of their meeting made available to the National Reformer in Warri, the petroleum marketers advised interested aspirants to pick forms for the election according to the electoral guidelines and zoning formula.

According to the statement, “we have put in place a six man electoral committee made up of people with proven tract record to conduct a free, fair, transparent and credible elections. The committee have rolled out our election timetable, we have also come up with guidelines for the election that would be in line with our zoning formula where positions would be zoned on ethnic/constituency basis. Members who are interested in elective positions should pick forms  in accordance with our laid down electoral guidelines and zoning  formula.”

The statement added, “all eligible and qualified marketers be allowed to contest the elections in accordance to the agreed zoning arrangement and whosoever wins must be accepted by all marketers.”

The statement further added, “we are using this opportunity to call on government agencies, organisations as well as non members to steer clear of our activities, we are an association with members, we will not welcome any outside interference. Any moment from now, we shall announce a date for our Annual General Meeting (AGM)”

The IPMAN Stakeholders expressed dismay over the persistent non-availability of petroleum products in the Warri Depot for the past eight months now that has resulted to untold economic hardships of their members, adding, ” we are seizing this opportunity to call on President Muhammadu Buhari to prevail on Group Managing Director, NNPC, management of Pipelines Products Marketing Company (PPMC), Warri Refining and Petrochemicals Company(WRPC) and relevant government agencies to ensure regular supply of petroleum products to the Depot.”