The Ministry of Petroleum Resources says that message making the rounds on social media of a purported memo by the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Dr Ibe Kachikwu, to the President on the fuel crises was false.

The Ministry disclosed this in statement signed by it Director of press Mr Idang Alibi, on Thursday in Abuja.

“Our attention has been drawn to a message making the rounds on social media of a purported memo by the Honorable Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Dr. Emmanuel Ibe Kachikwu, to the President on the fuel crises.

“The message and its content is false.

“This is not a time for diversionary issues as the Petroleum Sector is dealing with a serious national issue. We are focused on collaboratively finding an urgent solution to this crisis.

It noted that the Minister would continue to monitor the current fuel situation and to work with NNPC and DPR to continue to execute already communicated ministerial directives to maximally flood the market with products.

It added it would continue to work to prevent any act of sabotage and would penalise any culprit who attempts to divert petroleum product.

“The Minister of State appreciates the pain Nigerians are going through but urges calm and understanding as NNPC is doing everything possible to immediately end this fuel crises situation. (NAN)