Petroleum Dealers Association of Nigeria (PEDAN), Anambra State chapter, has appealed to GovGovernor Chukwuma Soludo to address their intimidation and harassment by agents of the state and local governments.

Chairman of PEDAN in Anambra State, Izukanne Chibuike, made the appeal during the End of Year meeting and inauguration of committees in Awka on Thursday.

Mr Chibuike, who congratulated Mr Soludo on his re-election expressed the readiness of members of the association to comply with existing agreements with his administration especially in the area of timely payment of consolidated levies.

He assured that under his leadership, marketers operate within the standards set by regulators in the sector such as the Nigeria Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority and Weight and Measures.

He said, “I urge marketers to have the fear of God, cooperate and show understanding with the above mentioned authorities. We have vowed to be of good character and to work with the government of Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, all we ask for, is equity and fairness.

“A consolidated levy and unified mode of collection and an end to harassment, intimidation and arrest of our members by agents who claim to be working on behalf of the state or local governments.”

Also speaking, Chairman of Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), Enugu Depot Community, Chinedu Anyaso, congratulated members in Anambra State on the unity among them and their commitment to serving the public.

Mr Anyaso who is in charge of Anambra, Ebonyi and Enugu states said legitimate businesses and major stakeholders in the community needed encouragement and not a hostile tax regime.

 He also congratulated Mr Soludo on his re-election and commended him for approving the consolidation of some of the levies, urging him to conclude it as he promised before the election.

In his remark, Anambra State Commissioner for Petroleum Resources, Tony Ifeanya, said the administration of Mr Soludo would continue to provide enabling environment for marketers to operate.

 Mr Ifeanya, represented by Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Bayo Ojeyinka, commended marketers for working to ensure regular supply of products in the state, adding that they had supported the economy through their operations.

He advised them to always toe the path of dialogue and constructive engagement in seeking redress for their grievances, assuring that the government had listening ears.

On her part, the Coordinator of Weight and Measures Office in Anambra State, Alice Ogbobe, commended marketers for their efforts at complying with standard rules.

Mrs Ogbobe said the agency would not relent or compromise on standards to ensure Nigerians got value for their money.

(NAN)