News
Commuters Stranded As Petrol Stations Shut In Anambra
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
Thousands of commuters and motorists in Anambra State were stranded on Wednesday following the shouting down of petrol stations across the state.
It was gathered that most petrol stations in the major cities of Awka, Onitsha, Nnewi, Umunze, Ekwulobia and other environs were dispensing fuel on Wednesday morning.
From the Upper Iweka parks in Onitsha to the Aroma roundabout in Awka and other major cities, the situation was the same.
As a result, the limited number of vehicles on the road significantly raised transport fares by more than 200 per cent.
Commuters who managed to get on the few available buses were forced to pay exorbitant prices.
For example, commercial transporters charge N500 for a trip of N200, whereas a trip of N500 costs between N1,200 and N1,500.
The sudden development caught numerous commuters off guard, forcing several commuters to trek to different locations.
It was also observed that many offices and business premises have not been opened as of 10:30 am because employees have not reported for duty.
The reason why the petrol stations were shut down could not be immediately ascertained.
Meanwhile, the development generated a lot of mixed feelings among the public.
While some people believed that the petrol stations were on strike, others believed that it was a deliberate attempt by the marketers to increase the pump price of the commodity.
A tricycle operator plying the Onitsha axis, identified as Tochukwu, said, “I bought fuel from the black market for as high as N1,350 per litre this morning to do work as we discovered that filling stations did not open
Some of my colleagues went to Asaba in Delta State to get the product, that is why the prices of transportation are high this morning.
“We don’t know why the filling stations are shut, but we are hearing that it is like they are in a meeting somewhere in Awka.
“We have experienced this kind of situation before and when they came back from their meeting that day, they hiked the pump price of petrol. It’s likely to be the same situation, we are watching as events unfold.”
A commuter at Awka, identified as Chinwe Okeke, said, “I have been standing at the Regina Caelis bus stop, for over two hours waiting to board a vehicle to UNIZIK, but it has been difficult. The vehicles that are coming have been charging very exorbitantly, I don’t know what is really happening.”
Contacted about the development, the Anambra State Commissioner for Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Anthony Ifeanya, said, “There is no cause for alarm and commuters and motorists should not panic.
“It’s likely that the petrol marketers are in a meeting and whenever they are having such a meeting, shutting down petrol stations is a way of compelling every member to attend the meeting. Their meeting usually starts from morning till noon.”
It was also observed that the sudden fare hike also affected both inter-state and intra-state movements.
President Bola Tinubu has departed Galeao Air force Basa (SBGL) Airport, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Saturday, for Abuja after attending the 19th G20 Leaders Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
The President is due to arrive at the Presidential Wing of Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, at 10.00 p.m. (Nigerian time).
President Tinubu had attended the G20 Leaders summit where he endorsed the global alliance against hunger and poverty, which he said was pivotal.
The President also held bilateral talks with Kristalina Georgieva, the Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), who commended his administration’s economic reforms and their positive indicators.
He also presided over the signing of a 2.5 billion dollar Letter of Intent between the Nigerian government and the JBS S.A., a Brazilian company and one of the top three largest meat processing companies in the World.
The president was accompanied in the trip by senior government officials including the minister of foreign affairs yusuf Tuggar, the national security adviser, Nuhu RIBADU and many others.
In commemoration of this year’s International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, the House of Representatives will lead a landmark march on Monday, November 25, 2024, along with other strategic activities as part of its unwavering commitment to eradicating gender-based violence (GBV) in Nigeria.
This was contained in a statement issued by the HoR spokesperson, Rotimi Akin, Jr on Saturday.
According to him the march, which starts at 8:00 AM, will bring together over 1,000 participants – including Representatives and members of the public – on a symbolic walk from the National Assembly to the Headquarters of the Nigeria Police Force.
This demonstration of solidarity will culminate in the submission of a petition to the Inspector General of Police, demanding decisive action to safeguard vulnerable populations and ensure accountability for perpetrators of GBV.
“This march and the associated activities are not just symbolic gestures, they reflect our resolve and call to action against gender-based violence head-on,” said Hon. Abbas Tajudeen,, Speaker of the House of Representatives.
“We stand united in the fight to protect the rights and dignity of all Nigerians, especially the most vulnerable. Together, through collective action and legislative reforms, we can build a society where safety, justice, and equality prevail.”
Beyond the march, the 10th House of Representatives in alignment with its Legislative Agenda (2023 – 2027) has outlined *key activities to sustain awareness and action throughout the 16 Days of Activism:*
1. *Sash Demonstration Ceremony* – Tuesday, November 26, 2024
Members of the House will don orange sashes, symbolising solidarity with the fight against GBV, during plenary sessions throughout the campaign period.
2. *Convergence of State Assembly Speakers* – Monday, December 9, 2024
A strategic meeting at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, will bring together Speakers of State Houses of Assembly to discuss legislative strategies for combating GBV nationwide.
3. *National Citizens’ Summit and GBV Conference 2024 -* Tuesday, December 10, 2024
This summit will conclude the 16 Days of Activism with discussions on constitutional reforms and securing endorsements for gender equality initiatives championed by the House.
The House of Representatives invites all Nigerians to *participate in this historic march on Monday, November 25, 2024.* Participants will receive orange T-shirts—the official colour of the United Nations campaign to end violence against women—symbolising hope for a future free of violence.
*Details of the March:*
• *Date:* Monday, November 25, 2024
• *Time:* 8:00 AM
• *Starting Point:* Speaker’s Car Park, National Assembly
• *End Point:* Nigeria Police Force (NPF) Headquarters
Gender-based violence continues to devastate families and communities across Nigeria. The 10th House of Representatives however, remains steadfast in driving systemic reforms, fostering collaboration, and championing accountability to address this pervasive issue.
Together, let us take a decisive stand for justice, equality, and the protection of human rights, paving the way for a safer, more equitable Nigeria.
NUJ-FCT Elections: Comrade Ike To Flag-Off Campaign With Free Medical Checks, Treatment
Anambra Police arrest native doctor, one other for armed robbery, kidnapping
Police Officer interdicted for slapping handcuffed civilian several times
Just in: Terrorists ambush military truck, kill all soldiers on board
Nigerian Dancer, Korra Obidi Attacked with acid, stabbed on stage In UK
Meet Rare Gem 16 Years Old Chiaza, CEO of ‘RUN MARKET PLACE’
-
Metro11 hours agoBusinessDay Journalist Finally Regains Freedom From ‘One-Chance’ Kidnappers In Abuja
-
Metro16 hours agoCourt remands 113 foreigners over alleged cybercrime
-
Metro11 hours agoPolice recover stolen SUV after gun duel with robbers in Abuja
-
News17 hours agoJapa: We’ve discovered over 10,000 fraudulent foreign student acceptance letters – Canadian Authorities
-
News17 hours agoFull List: Innoson, Mitsubishi, Dantama , Others – CAC Delists 80,000 Companies
-
Metro17 hours agoGunmen kidnap journalist’s relatives, demand N50m ransom
-
News17 hours agoFG reinstates Ikechebelu and Modebelu as UNIZIK Acting VC and Registrar
-
News11 hours agoFG insists Rivers State funds is intact was never stopped