By Jude Michael
The leadership of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association, IPMAN, Enugu Depot, says it will be compelled to shut filling stations in Anambra State if nothing is done about the multiple and illegal taxing of its members in the state.
The Chairman of the Association, Mr Chinedu Anyaso, stated this shortly after he was re-elected to pilot the affairs of the members for a second term.
Anyaso said the challenge of illegal and multiple taxation was mostly prevalent in Anambra State.
He said despite an agreement with the state government; ASWAMA, Signage and Ocha Brigade officials were still coming to demand money, including arresting and detaining their members and workers.
‘All our efforts to call the attention of the Anambra State Government on the issue have proved abortive and not yielded any fruit.
‘Some of the IPMAN members having businesses in Anambra State were taken to court and jailed or given the option of fines due to their refusal to comply with illegal over taxation.
‘Since the removal of the fuel subsidy, members of IPMAN have continued to find it difficult to survive the harsh business environment confronting all business concerns in the country,’ Anyaso said.
He however applauded Ebonyi and Enugu State governments for cooperating and supporting its members and their activities, as well as state governments of Imo, Abia, Kogi and Cross River States, where, he said, its members operated as well.
Mr Anyaso, Managing Director of Floxy Alu Oil Ltd, and his entire executive, were re-elected by members of Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) Enugu Unit as their Chairman for the next three years.
