There appears to be reprieve for residents of Imo State who have suffered petroleum products scarcity over the last three weeks as the petroleum marketers, particularly the Tanker Drivers Association have directed their members to immediately suspend the strike they embarked upon in the past one week and to immediately commence lifting and supply of petroleum products to the in particular and South East in general.
The above directive was sequel to a resolution by a 15-man Committee set up by Imo State Government to resolve all issues agitating the mind of the Tanker Drivers Association in Imo State and consequently the strike.
Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma had set up a 15-member Committee made up of seven from Government and eight from the Concerned Union/ Petroleum marketers after meeting with the marketers in Government House Owerri on Wednesday.
While the Secretary to the State Government, Chief Cosmas Iwu led the other six members from the side of the government, Chief Billy Harry G. led the other seven members from the Union of petroleum marketers.
The Committee isolated three key areas of concern for discussion – demolition of petrol stations, revenue collection and activities of some government agencies after which they resolved to call off the tanker drivers’ strike.
On the demolition of the Petroleum Station in Orlu, it was resolved that the Committee should visit the station to assess the extent of damage and advise Government on the appropriate compensation to be paid.
To mitigate the complaint about revenue collection, the Committee resolved that all revenue collection from Petroleum Marketers by Imo Internal Revenue Service be suspended forthwith pending the report of the Committee on a holistic approach to revenue collection.
The Committee looked at the activities of OCDA, ENTRACO, IMSSA, and resolved to consider allegations of multiple charges, alleged harassment of tanker drivers and highhandedness by the agencies and come up with comprehensive solutions to mitigate the problems.
All the 15 members in Committee signed to suspend the strike and for amicable resolution of all outstanding matters.