Says Soludo must pay compensation before demolition
Maduako Igbokwe l Wednesday, June 14, 2023
AWKA, Anambra – Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria IPMAN, Enugu Depot has threatened to shutdown all filling stations in Anambra State, if Governor Charles Soludo fails to pay adequate compensation to the all the filling stations earmarked for demolition.
The chairman of Enugu Depot of IPMAN, Mr Chinedu Anyaso gave the threat shortly after they emerged from emergency meeting in Awka Anambra state to deliberate on the Soludo’s earmarking of 13 filling stations for demolition to pave way for a flyover in Ekwulobia, Aguata Local Government Area.
Enugu Depot is made up of Anambra, Enugu and Ebonyi states. According to him, the government cannot just demolish people’s property without paying compensation.
He also urged all members of IPMAN to be at alert and if the governor goes ahead to demolish any of the 13 filling stations earmarked, they should shut their stations.
According to him, these filling stations are the main economic stay for the affected families and government cannot create hardship for these families.
“If the government demolishes these filling stations it will negatively affect the living standard of the affected families. Honestly, government must adequately pay compensation before demolition of the filling stations” he said .
He also disclosed that they had written several letters to the governor but none has gotten any reply. He further urged his members not to sign any document from government until studied by IPMAN.
“We cannot fight the government but we can withdraw our services to the public if the governor refuses to pay compensation before demolition of any of the filling stations. We must all stand by any of our members ,it could be anybody” he said.
Reacting, Anambra state Commissioner for Petroleum Mr. Ifeanyi Ifeanya said that the governor has the right to revoke any property for the public overriding interest. He however said that the government will meet with the group for discussion. According to him, the matter is a legal issue and the government lawyers must be involved.
