EARCOM warns Akwa Ibom petroleum marketers against inflicting more hardship on citizens

By BENJAMIN JIMMY

Ethical and Attitudinal Reorientation Commission (EARCOM), has warned petrol marketers in Akwa Ibom not to exacerbate the sufferings of the people through unethical conducts and practices.

The Executive Chairman of EARCOM, Dr. Dorothy Thompson handed down the warning in a chat with newsmen at the weekend in Uyo.

Speaking against the backdrop of the recent reports by residents that some fuel stations in the state might have tinkered with the meters on their pumps inappropriately to shortchange unsuspecting petrol buyers, Dr. Thompson said if such reports were anything to go by, it would be insensitive and wicked for any marketer to adjust the meters on his pumps, as this would cause more hardship to the low income earners whom she said are usually at the receiving end of all misdemeanours.

CAJA commends the 9th National Assembly For Passing Sexual Harassment Prohibition Bill

The EARCOM boss noted that the recent removal of fuel subsidy by the federal government which had manifested in the high cost of Premium Motor Spirit (fuel) across the country was on it own a serious burden that needed not to be exacerbated by the unethical practice of meter adjustment by any marketer.

” It would be absolutely wrong and perhaps inhuman as well for any marketer in Akwa Ibom to adjust the meters on his fuel pumps inappropriately. The masses have really gone through a lot of hardship, and therefore, shortchanging them again through this unethical and dubious means cannot continue.

” We should come to a point where we begin to do what is right at all times. Our attitude towards one another should be reoriented such that we can create for ourselves a better society where no one is oppressed or shortchanged in whatever guise”.

Dr. Thompson however stated that EARCOM, as an agency whose mandate, among other things, is to promote ethical behaviours and Attitudinal change among the people in the state, no insensible or unethical conduct by any individual or institution would be swept under the carpet.

The Executive Chairman therefore, called on the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), Akwa Ibom State Chapter, and other regulatory institutions to intensify effort in ensuring that all fuel pumps dispense fuel appropriately and without any reduction in quantity.