The Independent Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) says petrol availability has been erratic because of the small allocation currently allotted to its members by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).

IPMAN National Vice-President, Alhaji Hammed Fasola, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ibadan on Tuesday.

Fasola says the allocation issue has led to haphazard operations by its members, who now buy from third parties (private depot owners) at prices they can no longer afford.

According to him, NNPC has been the one bringing the product to the country and sharing it with major marketers until the involvement of the private depot owners.

He added that there had been a shortfall in the supply of the product because NNPC would naturally supply its retail outlets first.

“That is why you see a kind of on-and-off situation from the independent marketers’ filling stations.

“We still get some trucks directly, but very inadequate to the number of marketers we have.

“We are waiting for when the product will be available, especially through NNPC depots, the Port Harcourt refinery, and by the time Dangote comes up with its petrol, that is PMS.

“We believe that all these problems will be solved,” he said.

However, he said the association would continue to engage NNPC because it had been a long-term partner.

“We are very positive that when things come to normal, they will be giving us our due allocation,” he said.

On the issue of subsidy, Fasola said he believed there was no more fuel subsidy because the government had said so.

Many filling stations are not selling due to the unavailability of the commodity.

Others, who open for business intermittently, sell between N620 per litre to N700 with NNPC retail outlets selling at the official rate but with queues.

Former Governor of Kogi, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, on Tuesday, prayed a Federal High Court, Abuja to vacate the arrest warrant order issued to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against him on April 17.

Bello, through his lawyer Adeola Adedipe, SAN, made the application following an order by Justice Emeka Nwite, directing the EFCC to effect the service of the charge and proof of evidence on the ex-governor’s lead counsel, Abdulwahab Mohammed, SAN

The Justice Nwite had, earlier, ordered the EFCC’s lawyer, Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, to serve Mohammed, the leading counsel of Bello, with bundles of the charge and the proof of evidence in a ruling today.

The judge, who relied on provisions of Section 382(4) and (5) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), held that Mohammed, who announced an unconditional appearance for the defendant, to receive the charge.

However, shortly after the ruling, Adedipe argued that the arrest warrant order, having been made before the charge ought to be set aside suo motu (on its own accord, without any request by the parties involved).

The senior lawyer argued that contrary to Pinheiro’s submission that the ex-governor must be in court first before any application could be entertained being a criminal case, he said the anti-graft agency also made an application on April 18 after the warrant arrest was issued to EFCC on April 17 and that the court granted it

According to him, the complainant made an application for substituted service on 18th day of April after the arrest warrant had been issued on 17th day of April and today, my noble lord granted it.

“The court must satisfy itself that the defendant (Bello) will not be prejudiced in fairness if the warrant of arrest continues to hang on his neck, having been made before service of the charge contrary to Section 394 of ACJA,” Adeola argued.

The matter is still ongoing as at the time of filing the report.

The Imo House of Assembly has passed a critical resolution, urging the State Government to prioritize the reconstruction of the Umuna-Umuduru Onuimo and the Ndi-Uwa Ideato North Link Road, situated at the heart of the state capital.

The resolution came to fruition following the impassioned plea presented by Mr. James Esile (APC-Onuimo) during the plenary session on Tuesday. Esile underscored the dire condition of the road, emphasizing its detrimental impact on the region’s economic vitality, particularly for the predominantly agrarian community.

Esile highlighted the perilous state of the road’s bridges, which not only jeopardize the safety of commuters but also provide an opportune environment for criminal activities to thrive unchecked.

Recognizing the urgent need for intervention, Esile fervently advocated for the swift commencement of reconstruction and rehabilitation efforts under the purview of the Ministry of Works, thereby heralding a renewed era of prosperity and alleviating the enduring plight of the populace.

Echoing Esile’s sentiments, Mr. Benard Ozoemelam (APC-Ehime Mbano) echoed the pressing need for immediate action to forestall impending disaster in the area and other similarly affected routes.

In a unified display of solidarity, the lawmakers resoundingly endorsed the motion through a unanimous voice vote orchestrated by Speaker Mr. Chike Olemgbe, underscoring their unwavering commitment to addressing the critical infrastructural needs of the state.

This resolute stance by the Imo House of Assembly reflects a collective resolve to prioritize the welfare and prosperity of its citizens, thereby laying the foundation for sustained socioeconomic development and inclusive growth across the region.