Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has reiterated his administration’s commitment to sustaining peace and protecting critical oil infrastructure across the State.
He made this known while receiving the leadership of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), Edo State Chapter, at the Government House in Benin City.
The governor commended the newly elected IPMAN Chairman, Mr. Michael Ogiamen, and other executives for resolving their leadership crisis amicably, assuring them of government’s continued support to ensure a conducive environment for petroleum marketers in the state.
“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,” Okpebholo said.
“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,” he added.
The governor also addressed IPMAN’s concerns about pipeline vandalism along the Benin Depot–Warri Refinery corridor, disclosing that his administration had set up a task force on pipeline monitoring to enhance security around oil facilities.
“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,” he said.
Governor Okpebholo further disclosed plans to strengthen the office of the Senior Special Assistant on Pipeline Surveillance, Hon. Joseph Okonigene, to improve the monitoring and protection of petroleum infrastructure in Edo.
In his remarks, IPMAN Chairman, Mr. Michael Ogiamen, pledged the association’s commitment to transparency, unity, and adherence to its constitutional leadership structure.
“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,” Ogiamen assured.
Chairman of the committee set up by the Governor to mediate in the IPMAN crisis, Comrade Eribo Nwanta, along with other members, thanked Governor Okpebholo for his timely intervention which, they said, restored peace and stability in the association.
The Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa, and other senior government officials attended the meeting.
Okpebholo Brokers Peace in Edo IPMAN, Moves to Secure Oil Assets
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