Yemisi Izuora
The Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) Lagos Region has shut Oando filling station Lekki, being managed by Mr Basiru Fakorede over molestation of DPR personnel.
Mr Usman Ndanusa, the Deputy Director and Head of Downstream Division of DPR who led the team said the operator of the station molested DPR staff on inspection of his station.
Ndanusa said department takes exception to manhandling of his staff.
“When the monitoring team of DPR visited the station on December 7, they were not selling the product to motorists.
“They challenged the station manager and attendants on the reason why they were not selling the product when there were 32,000 litres underground tanks.
“At this juncture, the staff started molesting the DPR staff.
“We cannot stand for that because if we allow it to go unchecked, our staff will not be free to perform their duty.
“If DPR staffs are being molested by all filling stations in this country, then we won’t be doing any inspection.
“To forestall a future reoccurrence, we now decided to seal the station after exhausting the product,” he said.
The Deputy Director said his staff would be on ground to make sure that all 58,650 litres of petroleum in the underground tanks were sold to motorists before sealing the station.
“If there is no scarcity of fuel, we would have sealed the station outright but because of scarcity we want to monitor the sales and ensure that all the petrol products are sold to motorists.
“So, the dealer will be invited to our office to defend his action, if he is able to justify his actions, we will unseal his station.
“But if not, the department may revoke his licence.
He said the Agency has written Oando management to stop supply to the station until he is able to justify his action.
Meanwhile, Otunba Basiru Fakorede, the owner of sealed Oando filling station has appealed to the management of DPR to temper justice with mercy over his action.
Fakorede denied molesting any of DPR staff, adding that they were selling product when his station was visited on that day.
He said he never denied any of their staff access to his station knowing fully that they have right to inspect filling stations nationwide.
“I expected the management of DPR to invite me to their office after the incidence but I was surprised to see them coming to seal my station.
“I have been selling the product to motorists because of long queue of vehicles.
“This is not the right time to seal my filling station because motorists will feel the impact, this is the only station that sell products 24/7 and I am sure it will really affect the motorists here,” he said.