Fuel crisis: IPMAN shuts Calabar depot

The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has shut down its operations in Cross River State and asked its members to withdraw all their services such as lifting and distribution of petroleum products to members of the public.

The branch chairman of IPMAN, Cross River State, Mr. Robert Obi, while defending withdrawal of services, said the action was caused by alleged continuous harassment of its members in the Eastern Zone by officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force.

Obi stated in a statement, that the strike was in compliance with the directive of IPMAN national body, adding that security operatives must begin to treat its members with some level of courtesy before they could make a U- turn.

According to the statement, “The duration of the strike is uncertain as it emanates from the national president of the association,” he noted.

Reacting to the statement, the Police Public Relations Officer, Cross River State Command, DSP Irene Ugbo, said, “I do not think that there is any harassment of IPMAN members by our men.

“If they feel that their members have been facing any form of intimidation, by our men, it’s left for them to come and lay complaints to the command.”

She also said the command has good relationship with IPMAN.