The Kwara State Government has set up a task force to handle the issue of fuel scarcity in the state.
The government held an emergency security council meeting on Thursday to design strategies to maintain law and order amid biting fuel scarcity and currency swap challenge.
“The governor has, meanwhile, approved the setting up of the task force, which is to be headed by Deputy Governor Kayode Alabi,” a statement signed by Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s Chief Press Secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye, read in part.
It added that the task force will interface with various oil marketers and make things easy for the people of the state.
Other members of the committee include Commissioner for Business, Innovation and Technology Ibrahim Akaje; Commissioner for Special Duties Hon. Olaitan Buraimoh; Special Adviser on Security; Special Adviser on Special Duties; Senior Special Assistant on Security; Representative of the Emir of Ilorin and Chairman of the Council of Chiefs; Representatives of the Police, DSS, Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corp, and independent oil marketers.
“With security commanders and cabinet members presenting field reports on the question of fuel, currency issues and security situation in the state, the meeting called for calm while serious efforts are being made to ease the fuel shortage and the challenges arising from the currency redesign.
“The terms of reference of the committee will be to monitor fuel supply and effective distribution of same in the state, compliance of marketers with the best practices and in the best interest of the public, and prevent abuse of any kind in cooperation with the fuel marketers,” the statement added.
The emergency meeting was attended by the Emir of Ilorin and Chairman of the Kwara State Council of Chiefs, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, and security commanders.
Meanwhile, Sulu-Gambari appealed to residents of the state to remain calm and urged them to allow peace to reign before, during, and after the general elections.
He urged parents to prevail on their children and wards to be law-abiding to the constituted authorities and not involved in any act capable of causing crises, especially during this hard period.
These were contained in a statement issued by the emir’s spokesman, Mallam Abdulazeez Arowana.
The monarch expressed concerns over the numerous socio-economic hardships orchestrated by the inadequate circulation of the newly redesigned naira notes, fuel scarcity as well as the forthcoming general elections on Thursday in
He stressed that for the nation to enjoy democratic advancement in the face of several challenges, there is a need for tolerance, perseverance, and adequate support from members of the public irrespective of their social status and religious belief by standing on the path of peace and harmony in order to avoid disarray of government programmes and actions.
According to him, “As traditional rulers, myself and my colleagues are deeply touched and aware of the various challenges faced by the general public especially people at the grassroots level. It is my hope that while the government is making frantic efforts towards addressing the ugly situation, I appeal to the people of Ilorin Emirate and Kwarans at large to remain calm and patient and not to allow anyone to use them to cause political unrest in the society.
Naira notes remain the only legal tender which allows for the easy transaction of business activities while a large volume of fuel is being consumed on daily basis for both domestic and industrial purposes, therefore the scarcity of both has no doubt caused unbearable hardship on the people.
“It is only in an atmosphere of peace and tranquility that democracy can grow. I urge all political party stalwarts to endeavor to play the game of electioneering processes by the rules by embracing peaceful coexistence among themselves irrespective of their party lines.
“Voters should also exercise their franchise in a peaceful manner and vote for candidates of their choice without fear. Ilorin Emirate is peaceful, Kwara State is peaceful and we don’t want any unfortunate incident that will tarnish our longstanding reputation as the most peaceful state in Nigeria.”