By Simon Ebegbulem
BENIN CITY – THE Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), Edo state chapter, has dragged the state government to the High Court in Benin, over the recent inauguration of the Petroleum Monitoring Task Force by the state government.
In the originating summons made available to Vanguard in Benin City, today, the IPMAN is challenging the legality and constitutionality of setting up the Task Force, which was saddled with the responsibility of monitoring the selling, quality and movement of petroleum products in the state.
It would be recalled that following the artificial scarcity of petroleum products that occurs occasionally in the state, the state government decided to inaugurate the Task Force so as to check the excesses of the dealers who creates the artificial scarcities to exploit the people.
But the IPMAN described it as illegal and complained to the Federal Ministry of Commerce and Industry. Consequently, in a letter dated 18th June, 2009, signed by one I.Olori, that was addressed to the chairman of the Task Force, Mr Amen Osunde, said the task force lacked the power to test flow meter pumps at filling stations and reminded that “item 65 of the Exclusive list of 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic vests exclusively, the duties of testing and measuring of flowmeter pumps on Weights and Measures Department of the Federal Ministry of Commerce and Industry”.
Clear conscience they say, fears no accusation.
Why the fear if IPMAN is doing a good job, they should not be affraid of any task force. Oshiomole should stand his ground. So many fraudstars in the name of govt men would want to sabotage his effort. Ride on, we are behind you.
Why is IPMAN afraid of being checked? Are they planning to cheat the people of Edo State? if not, then, the State Governor has the Responsibility legality and constitutionality to defend the rights and preveledges of Edo state people from Some of the shylocks who will disguise under the name of IPMAN.
IPMAN, call your member to order so that they will not perpetrate evil against the EDO STATE.
I am totally behind the IPMAN as it appears the task force were out to usurp the activities of the nigeria standard organization as the task force lack the proper training to do the testing.
IPMAN lack the legality and constitutionality to cheat the people of Edo state the Petroleum Monitoring Task Force must stay to protect the people!!!