Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, has warned unidentified group claiming to be members of the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) against obstructing the supply of petroleum products to Akwa Ibom State.
This came in response to the fuel scarcity which began in the morning of Monday April 22, 2024.
For instance, rumors have it that the fuel scarcity arised from a misunderstanding between the product marketers and some security agencies.
As a result, Governor Eno read the riot act when he spoke at the special service and fund raising for Church building projects at All Nations Christian Ministry Int”l. Onna Mission Field, Ikot Udo Junction, Onna Local Government Area.
The Media Unit Government House, Uyo, made this known in a Facebook post on Monday April 22, 2024.
It said Eno has directed Commissioner for Internal Security to liaise with Coordinator of Ibom Community Watch and other security agencies to mount surveillance at the borders.
Also, it quoted the Governor as saying, “There is a false news in circulation from an unknown group.”
“They say they want to withdraw their service of fuel delivery in Akwa Ibom,” the Governor gathered.
Therefore, “We have contacted the original and authentic group who have since countered that announcement.”
Moreso, “I have directed the Hon. Commissioner for Internal Security to work with the Coordinator of Ibom Community Watch to ensure that no one whatsoever blocks the road, or stops trailers from bringing petroleum products into Akwa Ibom.”
“No one whatsoever would be allowed to do so especially a faceless group,” he warned.
Also, “We are ready to meet them with our overwhelming force.”
Nevertheless, “The Internal Security Ministry would mobilize the Police, the Army, Air Force, the Navy to ensure that there is a free flow of petroleum products all over the State.”
He noted that we are not in a lawless society.
Thus, “We will not allow a faceless group to intimidate us.”
Governor Eno noted that Nigerians have been severely impoverished by the present economic realities and
He warned groups or persons not to worsen the the present economic situation.
He also vowed to contain them frontally to drive home his mandate of ensuring the welfare of the citizenry .
“if any group believes it can constitute themselves into a nuisance and create additional hardship for the people of the country, and people of Akwa Ibom, we will confront that group,” he assured.
“I don’t care where they belong to, I don’t care who is sponsoring them.”
“I can guarantee them as a Governor of this State that they will be brought to book and made to face the full weight of the law,” he concluded.