CHRAN wants A’Ibom govt, DSS, DPR to intervene over high cost of fuel

Ini Billie, Uyo

Center for Human Rights and Accountability Network (CHRAN), is seeking the intervention of Governor Udom Emmanuel, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), and other relevant agencies over the high cost of fuel in Akwa Ibom State.

CHRAN expressed worry over the adulteration of petroleum products in the state, noting that the agencies have remained silent and insensitive to the plight of Akwa Ibom people over the sale of petrol at N300 a litre, even when fuel stations have tampered with their metres.

Speaking on Friday in Uyo during the inauguration of state executives of the organisation, State Director of CHRAN, Otuekong Franklyn Isong said his office has been inundated with reports that many fuel stations are selling adulterated petrol which has resulted in damage to fuel pumps and engines of many vehicles.

Isong urged the DSS to extend the ultimatum given to marketers in Abuja to those in Akwa Ibom to revert to the government-approved pump price and ensure that petroleum marketers comply with the directive.

He further called on the DPR to step up the monitoring of fuel stations to ensure that they are not dispensing adulterated products with adjusted metres.

He urged the Special Assistant to Governor Udom Emmanuel on Petroleum Matters, Mr Victor Etefia to live up to his responsibilities by ensuring that marketers comply with the government’s prescribed price.

Wondering why fuel stations have not been sealed or sanctioned for flouting the government’s directives, the Director recalled that previous Special Assistants to the Governor on Petroleum Matters were known for sealing off erring stations, noting that it brought sanity into the activities of the marketers.

“Where did we get this fuel price increase from? Why are we buying a litre of fuel in Akwa Ibom N300 and above? I cannot understand where this is coming from. The pumps in most areas are adjusted and the fuel itself is adulterated and nobody is doing anything about it.

“CHRAN is using this medium to call on the SSA to the Governor on Petroleum Monitoring, Mr Victor Etefia to rise to the occasion and address the people of the State on the matter.

“Let’s know why we are getting fuel at N300 and above per litre, what is the cause of it? Let’s know why the pumps are adjusted, we want to know why we are getting adulterated fuel in Akwa Ibom.

“Recall that in the days of former SSAs, they used to monitor filling stations to know what is happening there and any erring station would be sealed off. We are also calling on DPR a subsidiary of NNPC whose duty it is to check the malpractices of petrol stations to come to Akwa Ibom State to see what is happening here.

“We are calling on the DSS that issued an ultimatum to marketers in Abuja that they should revert to the official pump price because this particular increase is economic sabotage. We are asking the DSS in Akwa Ibom why they have not gone to check the pump price in the state.

“We are suffering, we are calling on the State Government, the SSA to Governor on Petroleum Matters, the DPR, and the DSS to intervene as the suffering is untoward,” he stated.

Isong revealed that CHRAN was planning a town hall forum for all the governorship candidates in Akwa Ibom State, adding that each candidate would be expected to talk about his blueprint and how he intends to implement it if elected into office as governor.

He added that CHRAN would also monitor and track all projects executed by the local government Chairmen in the 31 council areas of the state before their exit from office, noting that it would reveal how the local communities are faring and draw government attention to areas where necessary.

“We are going further to look at the local government and see how the communities are faring; so also, we will be doing with the House members. You can’t stay in the comfort of your home to know what the government is doing rather we have to go to the field.

“CHRAN is going to give a good balance to government because the State Governor cannot be everywhere at the same time, all we need in the state is good governance.

“We want the candidates during our town hall forum to speak to their manifesto and explain how they will implement the programmes and manifestoes,” he noted.

The newly constituted exco and members of CHRAN, Akwa Ibom Branch include Otuekong Franklyn Isong, State Director; Comrade Akanimo Atang, Deputy Secretary; Barr. Aniekan Akpan, Director of Legal Matters; Prof. Ini Akpabio, Director of Research & Documentation; Dr Iniobong Nda (Mrs), Director of Event & Planning; Pastor Ita Udoh, Director of Intergovernmental Affairs; Comrade Emmanuel Udoatta, Deputy Director of Intergovernmental Affairs; Mrs Eunice Thomas, Director of Civic Education & Re-Orientation; Dr Aniekeme Uwah, Director of Healthcare Services. Others are Comrade Blessing Jaja, Director of Students Affairs; Comrade Ubong David, Director of Local Government & Community Affairs. While Comrades Aniedi Michael, Anietie George, Linus Udoma, Usen Johnson, Idorenyin Inoh and Vincent Aluu, are members.