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From Tony Osauzo, Benin
Edo State governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to maintaining peace and ensuring 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.
“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”, Okpebholo said.
He also addressed concerns raised by the Association over pipeline vandalism 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.
“For the vandalism 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 vandalism going forward,” Okpebholo added.
He 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 Michael Ogiamen assured the governor of IPMAN’s commitment to transparency, unity, and continuity of leadership within the association.
