Okpebholo Brokers Peace In Edo IPMAN Crisis, Moves To Secure Oil Infrastructure

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has intervened in the leadership crisis rocking the state chapter of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN).

Okpebholo stated this on Friday when he received the newly elected IPMAN executives, led by Michael Ogiamen, at the Government House in Benin.

The governor commended the association’s leadership for resolving its internal dispute amicably and emphasised his administration’s readiness to ensure a conducive environment for petroleum marketers to operate across the state.

“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 and dialogue with them so that things can move smoothly,” Okpebholo said.

He revealed that the state government had established a task force for pipeline monitoring to combat vandalism along the Benin Depot–Warri Refinery corridor.

He added that he would engage his Delta State counterpart to strengthen cross-border surveillance while pledging government support for the protection of vital oil and gas infrastructure.

The governor also disclosed plans to empower the Senior Special Assistant on Pipeline Surveillance, Joseph Okonigene, to boost the protection of petroleum infrastructure in Edo State.

In his remarks, IPMAN chairman Ogiamen pledged the association’s commitment to transparency.

“We are committed to unity and transparency. At the end of my three-year tenure, I will hand over to my vice as stipulated by our constitution,” Ogiamen said.