The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has directed its members to shun the #EndHunger nationwide protests.

The directive was given in a statement jointly issued by IPMAN’s national president and national secretary, Abubakar Shettima and James Terlumun, respectively, on Friday.

The nationwide protest, which started on Thursday, is scheduled to last till August 10.

The statement urged members to stay calm and concentrate on their business, as the President Bola Tinubu-led administration was actively working toward the nation’s full economic recovery.

It also called on Nigerians to embrace dialogue, constructive engagement and understanding in pushing their demands, adding that this was not the time for wanton destruction of lives and property, all in the name of protest.

The association enjoined members not to be led into any avoidable chaos by what he described as ‘faceless individuals who do not have the ultimate good of Nigeria at heart’.

“All over the world, protests are organised by recognised groups, with known leaders who take responsibility for their peaceful focus. However, when protests are called by faceless groups with no known leaders, there is a greater chance of violence.

“It is against this reality that IPMAN is asking its members and the general public not to be caught in this impending imbroglio that may lead to loss of lives and property in an already peaceful Nigeria,” it said. 

(NAN)