………calls on FG and Edo State Govt to stop playing politics with Benin – Auchi road.
By Lucky Isibor
Concerned Ekpoma Eminent Stakeholders Forum (CEESF) has deplored the rate of abuse of psychotropic substances at Ekpoma and called for the collaboration of all community associations, artisan, youth associations and security agencies to stem the menace.
The forum stated this in a communique issued at the end of its meeting of Thursday, 4 April and signed by Comrade Dr. Jude Obasanmi and Comrade Lawrence Isiraojie, Convener and secretary of CEESF respectively and condemned the attitude of some Ekpoma residents who have formed the habit of pouring debris and refuse into the drains whenever it rains, urging them to desist from such unwholesome practices.
“CEESF shall meet with HRH, the Onojie of Ekpoma and the LG Chairman, on the need to meet face to face with: Owners of Club Houses in Ekpoma, Owners of Pharmaceutical companies/stores in Ekpoma, bike riders association, Student Union Government of AAU, the Hausa Community in Ekpoma, Coaching Association, on the need to help talk to their members to stop drug abuse and indecent dressing in Ekpoma
“It was also observed that the unfenced public schools in Ekpoma are serving as venues for youths to illegally abuse substance since they cannot do it at home and call on the LG and state government to urgently fence schools like Ujoelen Grammar School, Emaudo Secondary School, Eguare Secondary Schools etc to discourage the negative attitude.
“That the LG Chairman should call for a town hall meetibg inviting the aforementioned associations in order to discuss the modalities to assist our youths as well as to make Ekpoma free of drug peddlers and all kinds of indecent dress code
“That some security operatives are encouraging the sales of these drugs in Ekpoma which has contributed to the high increases in sales points in Ekpoma as the sales of these drugs are no longer hidden in Ekpoma”.
While condemning the exploitation of the people by petroleum products dealers at Ekpoma, the forum also deplored the practice of estimated billing system of electricity by the Benin City Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC).
“CEESF frowns at the exorbitant charges by petrol dealers in Ekpoma despite the fall of the dollar which according to them orchestrated the hike in prices of the product. Also, our search team have observed that some filling stations are not dispensing the actual litre of fuel as per the amount per litre to customers thereby exploiting their customers. Some stations are also dispensing low quality products that burn faster to consumers in Ekpoma. The prices on the displayed board of most filling stations are not the same as what they have in their various dispensing machines thereby confusing their customers and other kinds of inhuman treatment to customers.
“CEESF shall attempt to meet with the members of the filling stations union in Ekpoma to discuss the aforementioned challenges.
“Though the Forum is aware of the transportation cost in bringing the products to Ekpoma, dealers should allow one litre to actually be one litre irrespective of the prices displayed for the product at the various filling stations within the Ekpoma axis. After, the meeting with the Union, CEESF shall commence blacklisting of filling stations in Ekpoma that are making life unbearable to their fellow citizens”.
While applauding the resumption of a new army commander to Ekpoma, CEESF lauded the efforts of the outgone army commander, Capt. J. C. Amana in crime reduction in the community and resolved to meet with the Police DPO, Head of the Vigilantes and Civil Defence on the continuous extortion of bike riders in Ekpoma by some security agents with a view to stopping the menance. The forum also urged security agents in the area to clamp down vehicles and motor bikes without number plates.
While lamenting that inspite of all the noise about fixing the Benin- Auchi high way and work is yet to start on the abandoned road, the forum urged the Federal government and Edo State government to stop playing politics with the road and commence work
to alleviate the plight of the long suffering people who depend on the road for survival.