Empower taskforce to seal stations with unbearable rates- Isong

 

By Freshgist 

A Rights group under the aegis of Centre for Human Rights and Accountability Network (CHRAN) has urged Akwa Ibom state governor, Pastor Umo Eno to set up taskforce to seal any filling station selling above approved price to curb economic hardship of the people in State.

Recall, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu announced the fuel subsidy removal on Monday, May 29 during his inaugural speech, and since then, there was fuel scarcity, filling stations that are even dispensing fuel are doing so between N550- 700 per litre in the state.

In a press conference in Uyo on Thursday, CHRAN Chairman, Otuekong Franklyn Isong  explained that the pronouncement of the president on fuel subsidy removal was premature saying that subsidy in the 2023 budget runs till June 30.

Using urged the governor to empower the taskforce to deal decisively with anyone hoarding the product or selling at unbearable rate.

He recommended that the team which is expected to comprise members of the press, Civil societies, Civil Defence , Police , DSS should go ahead to seal off any station hoarding fuel or selling above the approved pump price  and the remaining fuel dispensed to motorists. 

He said,"We call on the governor of Akwa Ibom state Pastor Umo Eno to put up a committee that will go round to check any filling station that is cashing into the unfortunate situation to cause economic hardship on the people. Such filling stations should be sealed off so that it serves as a deterrent to others. I know other states can revert to normal price but Akwa Ibom state will not.

"Let the taskforce be made up of the press, civil society, civil defence , police , DSS any station hoarding fuel should be sealed off and the remaining fuel dispensed to motorists, any station selling above approved pump price should also be sealed off. 

According to him, "there is a provision made for the 2023 budget that subsidy  would run up to the 30th of June. The President's policy statement  in his inaugural speech,  has today  caused economic Chaos in the country. That statement has resulted into economic hardship the pump price has skyrocketed to N550 that is if you even see the fuel to buy. 

Food commodities and transportation have gone high.  Transport as at two days ago from. Eket to Uyo was 700, today it is 1500 that is if you will see vehicle to enter. A bolt ride from Ewet housing estate to Aka road was 400, now it is 1000. A bag of garri after the announcement just increased with 10,000 from the existing exorbitant price it is sold at 48 thousand Naira. Garri which is the commonest commodity is even more expensive than the N30,000 minimum wage of a civil servant. CHRAN is calling on Mr president to address the issue."