CLO Lampoons FG, Marketers over Artificial Scarcity of Fuel

Okon Bassey in Uyo

The Civil Liberties Organisation (CLO) in Akwa Ibom State has expressed disappointment over the inability of the federal government to control the unscrupulous attitude of petrol marketers that has led to the lingering high cost of fuel in many parts of the country.

It has also called on both the authorities of the NYSC and Akwa Ibom State Government to expedite efforts and ensure the release of the remaining NYSC members held captive by kidnappers in Zamfara State.

A statement endorsed by its state Chairman, Godknows Njoku, and Vice Chairman, Eridiong Obong, at the end of its monthly meeting  and made available to journalists in Uyo described the activities of the marketers as economic sabotage.

The statement described as regrettable lack of seriousness shown by the federal government towards controlling the activities of middlemen and other operators in the downstream sector.

This, the body said has led to marketers taking law into their hands by creating artificial situations in order to hike the price of the commodity.

It warned that if left unchecked, it could inflict further hardship on Nigerians and have the potential to generate mass action from the already suffering and deprived citizenry.

It said the continued detention of some prospective NYSC members from Akwa Ibom  State by their kidnappers in Zamfara State, more than a year after their abduction remained a shame to the country, and called on security agencies and the Akwa Ibom State Government to show more commitment towards the quick release of the remaining captives.

The CLO said the new guidelines regarding registration of Point of Sales (POS) operators by the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) was insensitive and not in order, calling on the federal government to put a stop to such action and allow for already existing regulations with banks.

It added that any further form of charge on the operators would further cause them to increase their already exorbitant withdrawal charges and would only result in further hardship for Nigerians.