The Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) Osogbo, Field Office, has called for harmonious relationship between the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) and men of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Osun.
Mr Olusegun Daboh, DPR Operations Controller, made the call during a tripartite meeting between the agency, NSCDC and IPMAN on Thursday in Osogbo.
They had been crisis between IPMAN and NSCDC over alleged fuel diversion by IPMAN and extortion by officials of NSCDC.
This led to a partial strike by IPMAN, which was later called off after the intervention of Gov. Gboyega Oyetola
Daboh said since IPMAN and NSCDC were major stakeholders in monitoring and distribution of petroleum products in the state, there was need for them to work harmoniously.
The operations controller said DPR, being the regulatory body for oil and gas industry, would continue to ensure harmonious relationship among all the major stakeholders.
He urged IPMAN members to always follow laid down rules in the oil sector, noting that this would assist the security operatives do their jobs effectively.
Daboh said the meeting was called to ensure that peace and harmony reigned in the state.
In his remarks, Mr Adeniyi Odetunde, Osun IPMAN Chairman, said the allegation of fuel diversion by NSDC against members of the association was false.
Odetunde said his members always indicated on the waybill at the depot the location where the fuel was being taken to.
He, however, said the association would continue to work with security operatives, especially NSCDC, toward harmonious relationship.
In his response, Mr Adeyinka Oguntuase, the Osun NSCDC Commandant, said the agency would continue to work with IPMAN in ensuring peaceful relationship in the state.
Oguntuase said what happened between his officials and IPMAN was a mere misunderstanding that needed not be escalated.
He said what the corps was doing was to ensure that petroleum tanker drivers and IPMAN followed laid down rules in the oil and gas industry.
Oguntuase said the corps would continue to ensure harmonious relationship with IPMAN leadership and its members.
He also urged them to avoid fuel diversion and always put correct information on their waybill to avoid arguments.
