Muhammad Tukur
The Adamawa State government has resolved the lingering impasse between the state chapter of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) and the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) which resulted to the closure of filling stations and disrupted the supply of premium motor spirit otherwise known as petrol across the state.
IPMAN said the shutdown was to protest alleged seizure of six tanker loads of petrol products by Customs’s Anti-Smuggling Unit, ‘Operation Whirlwind’ while Customs claimed their action is in the interest of curbing smuggling activities in the state.
Addressing journalist shortly after the meeting that lasted for three hours, the state Deputy Governor Professor Kaletapwa Farauta disclosed that the matter has been put to rest as both parties agreed to sheath their swords.
Farauta stated that issues relating to halt in dispensing of fuel in the state have been resolved to ensure adding that normalcy will soon return in the state.
She noted, “the meeting was at the instance of the state government and both parties have agreed to sheath their swords.
“As a family, we have all agreed to sheaths our swords and ensure return of normalcy to reduce hardship on the people.”
The Adamawa/Taraba Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service Garba Bashir, in his response said the command had agreed to resolve the matter through the mediation of the state government with IPMAN in the state.
Bashir reitrated that customs is not against legitimate activities of IPMAN in the state.
“I can assure you, the deputy governor asked us to reconvene, am sure the matter would be resolved by tomorrow.
Earlier, Comrade Abdulmalik Bello, Secretary IPMAN pointed out that the body would communicate the resolution of the meeting to the leadership of the state chapter.
Bello assured that hopefully, IPMAN would resume work any moment from now.
“We would communicate the outcome of the meeting to our leaders in the state. Hopefully, IPMAN is going to resume work any moment from now” Bello added.
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