Ikpeazu inaugurates petroleum task force against illegal dealings

Gov. Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia has inaugurated a 17-member Special Task Force to crack down on illegal dealings in petroleum products in the state.

Inaugurating the body at the Government House, Umuahia on Tuesday, Ikpeazu charged the members to stamp out all forms of malpractices in the sales and distribution of petroleum products.

He further urged the task force to support the State Government’s efforts to restore sanity in the petroleum sub-sector.

The governor, represented by his Chief of Staff, Prof. Anthony Agbazuere, said that government would continue to review the terms of reference for the group from time to time as may be deemed necessary.

“Your job is clear. It is to ensure that you eradicate illegal depots in private compounds and premises.

“You have to ensure the eradication of the use of wrong meter by petrol service stations.

“Find out if dealers are either under dispensing, over pricing or hoarding petroleum products and stop such acts.

“The issue of petroleum products has been deregulated, so anytime you are confused about it, try to get proper clarification because we do not want to run foul of the law,” Ikpeazu said.

He said that the state Ministry of Petroleum would not only work in synergy with the task force but supervise its activities.

He charged the team to be diligent in their assignment and project the image of the state in good light while discharging their duties.

Ikpeazu said that the team would be given guidelines on how to place penalties and fines on offenders.

He warned members of the task force to be mindful that they were called to serve and not to seek personal aggrandisement.

In a response, the Chairman of the group, Chief Dannie Ubani, thanked the state government for giving them the privilege to serve the state.

“We are assuring the state government that we would do our work diligently and honourably to build good image for the state,” Ubani said.

Members of the task force are Collins Vincent, Max Amanze, Nwazuo Steve, James Nnamdi, Bright Alaribe, Alibion Dada, Ahuruonye Darlington, Iheanyi Nwogu and Emeka Ihekaumuna.

Others are Collins Ogbonna, Chinweoke Anyatonwu, Obioma Nwachukwu, Emeka Ezeibe, Okarazu Chima, Eric Onwuasoigwe and a representative of the Nigerian Army.