The Governor of Ebonyi State, David Umahi, on Wednesday, ordered immediate shutdown of all illegal gas stations in Ebonyi State.
This followed the recent gas explosion in Kaduna State, which left several persons dead.
Umahi said the decision became imperative to forestall possible outbreak of such incident in Ebonyi State.
He made this known through in a statement signed by his Special Assistant on Media , Francis Nweze, saying the closure of the gas stations was apt, especially in this period of harmattan.
According to him: “To forestall possible outbreak of fire in this dry season and ensure that Health Safety and Environment regulation of Ebonyi State conform with National and International best oil and gas field practice.
“The Government of Ebonyi State under the leadership of His Excellency Engr. Chief David Nweze Umahi, has directed immediate shutdown of all illegal gas stations and outlets in the State.
“To this end, all gas stations and outlets must operate with the approval of the Ebonyi State Capital Territory Development Board (ACTDB) and Department of Petroleum Resources, (DPR).”
The governor, however, threatened to deal decisively with anyone who failed to obey or implement the directive.
“Defaulters of this directive will be penalized in accordance with the laws of the land and shall pay approved penalties. All concerned should ensure strict compliance to this directive,” he stated.
NAN