IPMAN to members: Face your business and shun protest

The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has directed its members to shun the ongoing nationwide protests.

ln a statement jointly issued by Abubakar Shettima, IPMAN’s national president and James Terlumun, the union’s national secretary, in Abuja on Friday, the union told members to stay calm and concentrate on their business. 

On August 1, protests against economic hardship and soaring inflation commenced in several parts of Nigeria.

The nationwide protests have been dubbed ‘10 Days of Rage’ with the hashtag #EndBadGovernance.

According to IPMAN, the President Bola Tinubu-led administration is actively striving to ensure the nation’s full economic recovery.

IPMAN called on Nigerians to embrace dialogue, constructive engagement, and understanding to push their demands. 

The association added that this was not the time for willful destruction of lives and property, all in the name of protest.

IPMAN enjoined members to avoid being led into any avoidable chaos by “faceless individuals who do not have the ultimate good of Nigeria at heart”.

 “All over the world, protests are organised by recognised groups, with known leaders who take responsibility for their peaceful focus,” IPMAN said.

“However, when protests are called by faceless groups, with no known leaders, there is a greater chance of violence.”

IPMAN said it is against this reality that it is urging members and the general public not to be caught in this impending imbroglio, which could lead to loss of lives and property in an otherwise peaceful Nigeria.