Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to maintaining peace and ensuring the security of vital oil infrastructure across the state. This declaration came during a courtesy visit by the newly-elected leadership of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), Edo State Chapter, at the Government House in Benin City. Governor Okpebholo commended the new IPMAN executives, led by Chairman Mr. Michael Ogiamen, for amicably resolving the association’s internal crisis and assured them of the state government’s continued support in creating an enabling environment for petroleum marketers to operate smoothly.
The Governor stated, “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.” He expressed happiness over the resolution and urged the leadership to engage with the other faction. “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,” Okpebholo added.
Addressing concerns over pipeline vandalization along the Benin Depot–Warri Refinery corridor, Governor Okpebholo revealed that the government has already constituted a task force on pipeline monitoring to strengthen security. He emphasized collaborative efforts with neighboring states, saying, “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.” Furthermore, the Governor hinted at empowering the office of the Senior Special Assistant on Pipeline Surveillance, Hon. Joseph Okonigene, to enhance effective monitoring and protection of petroleum infrastructure in Edo State.
In his remarks, the new IPMAN Chairman, Mr. Michael Ogiamen, assured Governor Okpebholo of the association’s commitment to transparency, unity, and leadership continuity. He said, “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.” The Chairman of the committee set up by the Governor to resolve the IPMAN crisis, Comrade Eribo Nwanta, and members expressed appreciation for Okpebholo’s swift intervention, which they said has restored peace in the association. The meeting was attended by the Deputy Governor, Rt Hon. Dennis Idahosa, and other top government officials, underscoring the administration’s broader efforts to promote industrial peace, energy security, and efficient fuel distribution within Edo State.
