Ban On Roadside Sales Of Petrol Generates Controversy In Akwa Ibom State

The ban on roadside sales of Petroleum products in Akwa Ibom State has been greeted with mixed reactions by motorists, residents and commuters who have expressed divergent views over the decision which comes into effect immediately .

The chairman, committee on Petroleum Products Monitoring, Mr Godwin Ekpo, a former lawmaker had in a statement announced the ban saying it is detrimental to the public and poses risks to lives and property

According to the statement obtained by The Whistler Newspaper, Ekpo stated that the activity commonly known as “black market will no longer be tolerated warning against illegal sale and peddling of diesel and petrol on the streets of Akwa Ibom State.”

The statement added that, ” henceforth, persons caught engaging in this illicit activity will face arrest and penalities.”

But reacting , Dennis Udoma , a journalist said it was not about the the ban but how to have it enforced saying the marketers believe they make more money by selling to the roadside hawkers thereby leading to the hike in the price of Petroleum products.

“They should work with petroleum marketers to check the arbitrary increase in the pump price of Petroleum products,” he said.

In his reaction, Mr Mkpoutom Mkpoutom, the Akwa Ibom state director of the National Orientation Agency (NOA) commended the committee for taking the bull by the horns in banning black market sales of Petroleum products describing it as an illegal venture.

“The roadside marketers are engaging in illegal activities, people should comply with government directive, the marketers allegedly connive with marketers to hoard petroleum products,” he said.

Speaking in an interview, Charles Effiong, a university don said the roadside marketers have contributed to the availability of the products particularly during scarcity adding that it is believed that sometimes their measurements are often more accurate.

“If you buy a litre of petrol from the roadside hawkers, it is likely to be more accurate, ” he said.

“They are helping in making the products available especially now that the products are scarce, though they operate illegality, he said.

But sharing his opinion, another respondent disagreed with the decision saying roadside marketers have contributed to the economy by providing jobs to the hawkers.

Johnson who did not disclose his surname said the federal government ought to have completed the rehabilitation of the refineries in the country to ensure that petroleum products are readily available.

Johnson urged the state government to create jobs for the youths adding if youths are gainfully engaged they might not be hawking petrol on the roadsides.

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