Fear of election violence responsible for fuel shortage – DSS

The Department of State Services has attributed the fuel queues across the country to the refusal by petrol tankers to load petroleum products from the South for distribution to the North for fear of being caught in likely election violence as witnessed in 2011.

The service however assured members of the National Association of Road Transport Owners of security, noting that adequate arrangements have been made to guarantee their safety.

“Consequently, Brigade Commanders, Police Commissioners and State Directors of the DSS have been directed by the Chief of Army Staff, the Inspector-General of Police, and the Director-General, Department of State Services respectively, to provide adequate security,” the DSS spokesperson, Marilyn Ogar said in a statement on Thursday night.

Ogar said the government recognised the fact that NARTO and other unions provide essential services and as such, would do everything to protect them.

She reassured NARTO and all Nigerians of the security and safety of their lives and property.

She explained that the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation had assured the public that there was adequate petroleum products to meet demands before, during and after the elections and therefore urged the public not to resort to panic buying and hoarding.

The statement read, “This Service has observed lately the build-up of queues at petrol stations. Investigation has revealed that trucks that would hitherto have loaded products from the South for distribution in the North are reluctant to do so.

“This development is premised on fears by NARTO of being caught in likely election violence as was witnessed in 2011, which resulted in loss of lives and property.”

Source: PUNCH