The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has directed its members to shun ongoing protests across the country.
In a joint statement issued by IPMAN National Chairman, Abubakar Shettima and the union’s National Secretary, James Tellman, on Friday in Abuja, the union called on its members to remain calm and focus on their businesses.
Protests against economic hardship and rising inflation began in several parts of Nigeria on August 1. The nationwide protests have been dubbed “10 Days of Rage” and have been tagged #EndBadGovernance.
According to IPMAN, President Bola Tinubu-led government is aggressively pursuing a full economic recovery in the country.
IPMAN called on Nigerians to engage in dialogue, constructive engagement, and understanding to achieve their demands. The association added that now is not the time for deliberate destruction of lives and property in the name of protest.
IPMAN called on its members not to get drawn into the chaos that is being avoided by “faceless people who do not have the welfare of Nigeria at heart”.
“All over the world, protests are organized by recognized 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 ignores this reality and calls on its members and the public not to get drawn into this impending chaos that will result in loss of lives and property in a once peaceful Nigeria.
