Checking Kerosene Adulteration

The recent incidents of adulterated kerosene explosion which led to loss of lives and property within the state has given the Rivers State Government cause for concern.

At the last count, eight citizens had been lost to two fire incidents arising from the explosion of adulterated kerosene which had infiltrated some retail outlets in the state.

In addition, over 5,000 residents of the Elechi Beach waterfront were rendered homeless last week when fire, said to have started from explosion of adulterated kerosene, ignited their shanties thereby exposing both adults and children to the vagaries of the weather.

But rising to the occasion, the Rivers State Government, while condoling families affected by the explosions warned households to desist from patronising kerosene hawkers.

Speaking on the issue at a meeting with the Petroleum Task Force, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources, Dr. George Worlu advised citizens to carry out an integrity test on the kerosene they intended to use before pouring same into their stoves, to avoid recurrence of the dangerous explosions.

Dr. Worlu noted that his ministry was in touch with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) to work out modalities toward preventing the offensive commodity from getting into the market.

He also said that plans were afoot to track down those responsible for the adulteration and bring them to book.

There is no gainsaying that kerosene occupies a place of pride as a source of domestic energy, particularly for a great percentage of the masses of this country.

This is so because, apart from petrol, no other petroleum product is dearest to the hearts of the common people than kerosene.

However, this current scarcity of the product, which has caused its price to skyrocket over the reach of ordinary citizens, must be checkmated with the urgency the matter deserves.

The Tide takes this position in view of the fact that since President Goodluck Jonathan mounted the saddle of leadership, one issue which has endeared his administration to the people is his forthrightness in confronting head-on the cabal, hitherto, responsible for scarcity of petroleum products, by making the products readily available to all and at government controlled price.

Thus, any departure from that gesture should be viewed with utmost seriousness before it pitches the good people of Nigeria against the humane government of Dr. Goodluck Jonathan.

This position becomes more imperative because since 2011 is election year, all arms of government, including extra-ministerial agencies like the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) are expected to work in synergy with the Federal Government to realise set goals.

Besides, we think that the NNPC War Centre, which was raised by the group managing director of the organisation should re-double its efforts toward ensuring unfettered delivery of kerosene in particular, and other petroleum products to the masses.

We are not inclined to believing that certain agents of retrogression are out to undermine the good intentions of the Federal Government on the supply of petroleum products to the people even as the Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Allison-Madueke recently assured that enough products were available for distribution to Nigerians.

As The Tide joins the Rivers State Government in condolensing the bereaved families and those who lost their properties to fire occasioned by explosion of adulterated kerosene currently in circulation in some parts of the state, we also urge consumers to be more safety conscious and circumspect in the use of the product.

Moreover, we urge the government to take steps toward ensuring that those behind this act, which has claimed the precious lives of fellow citizens, are apprehended and brought to book.

This will serve as a deterrent to their co-travellers on the cheat game, and reassure victims of their dastardly act that the government really cares for its citizens.