Igbeaku Orji, Umuahia 
Following the scarcity of petroleum products that has threatened social and economic activities in Abia State in the past three days, because of the withdrawal of products’ supplied by tanker drivers, the state government has directed the drivers under the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) to immediately resume or face sanctions.
The scarcity, which began on Saturday, had swiftly affected transportation fares and may soon spread to other goods and services. The state government in reaction to the development issued a release warning IPMAN to rein in its members as it would not condone such conduct at the moment.
The release issued by the Secretary to the State Government, Barr. Chris Ezem noted: “Government has observed with dismay the scarcity of petroleum products in the state following the withdrawal of supply of petroleum product by tanker drivers under the union of Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) Abia State chapter led by Mr Bobby Eberechi Dick.
“Government hereby directs the union to immediately resume supply of petroleum product to Aba and its environs, failing which Government will met out necessary sanctions on the Union.”
Though the state government did not disclose the nature of sanction it intends to met out to IPMAN, it, however, directed the Commissioner for Works to resume palliative work on the road leading to the depot at Osisioma Aba at a date not later than Tuesday, December 14.