By Okechukwu Okechukwu
The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), Wednesday, lamented that banks are chasing their members around to settle the loans obtained which they are yet pay because Anambra State government owed them ₦900.7million.
According to the group, the State government owed about 70 contractors who supplied diesel to street lights from March to April, 2022 being the period they were approved to supply diesel after the end of Willie Obiano's administration before they were directed to stop by the successive Soludo's administration.
IPMAN made the appeal in a letter to the governor signed by her Chairman, Mr Chinedu Anyaso and the Secretary, Mr Emeka Iloafor, entitled "Request For Debt Payment OF N900,664,805.00 Owed Our Members For Diesel Supplied And Services Rendered In Respect Of Street Lights".
They said their trading capitals were trapped with the government because of the incident even as some of them who obtained bank loans were in a liquidity crisis because of inability to pay.
"We want to bring to your notice that your department in charge of paying for diesel and services on the Anambra Street lights have refused to offset an outstanding debt owed our members. The debt is to the tune of N900,664,805 accrued for the months of March and April 2022.
"Mr. Governor, our members are dying because of these debts and the banks are chasing them around to settle the funds loaned to them to do this business. We attach the breakdown of the debts for your records Sir," it said.
However, when contacted, the Anambra State Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Community Affairs, TonyCollins Nwabunwanne,
whose office was overseeing the transaction, has assured that the government would take the necessary action to address the plights of marketers.