IPMAN threatens strike in South-East over arrest of members, heavy taxes

The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association (IPMAN), Enugu Depot, has threatened to shut down operations in Anambra State following the alleged arrest of members.

The association accused Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s administration of overtaxing its members and imposing restrictions on their operations.

IPMAN Chairman, Mr Chinedu Anyaso, issued the warning on Friday, immediately after being re-elected to lead the affairs of the members for a second three-year term, and promised to continue working hard to alleviate the issues that its members have in their companies.

He stated that the issue is particularly widespread in Anambra State, where, despite the Association’s agreement with the state government, ASWAMA, signage officials, and Ocha Brigade officials continued to come to demand money, arrest, and detain IPMAN members and their workers.

According to him, all efforts to draw the Anambra State Government’s attention to the issue have been futile and have generated no results.

He grieved that some IPMAN members who own businesses in Anambra State were prosecuted, imprisoned, or fined for refusing to comply with illegal and excessive taxes.

He said,

“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.

“Even as they are struggling to keep business afloat and retain their workers, Anambra state government in its quest to surge-up its internal revenue has come so hard on individual members and their business outfits in the area.

“The latest development also undermines agreement with various state governments that IPMAN will be paying a collective tax to ensure all members pay and check issues of multiple taxation.”

The IPMAN boss however applauded Ebonyi and Enugu State Governments for cooperating and supporting its members and their activities as well as state governments of some parts of Imo, Abia, Kogi and Cross River States where its members operate as well.

He noted that IPMAN members had been a great pillar of support in the past three years in office, making it possible for the association to achieve some milestones noting that his re-election is a call for more responsibility.