The Kwara State House of Assembly (KWHA) has suspended the issuance of permit for the construction of new petrol stations in the State until new resolutions are communicated to the Governor.

This is part of resolutions reached by the House, following a motion on indiscriminate proliferation of petrol stations in Ilorin metropolis, raised by a member representing Ilorin North-West Constituency, Hon. Abdul-Rafiu Abdul-Rahman.

Reading the resolutions of the House, the Speaker, Dr. Ali Ahmad noted that the indiscriminate construction of petrol stations could result in serious security, health and environmental hazards if not promptly checked.

The House also enjoined the State Government to liaise with the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) on the need to strictly adhere to laws, rules,environmental impact and regulations governing location of petrol stations.

The House also directed the State Town Planning Authority, DPR and all relevant agencies and stakeholders be invited to brief the House on the menace and constituted a five-man ad-hoc committee to investigate and report to the House in the next two weeks.

Hon. Abdul-Rahman, had, while raising the motion observed among others things that siting of petrol stations in some locations within densely populated residential environment like Muritala, Taiwo Road, Alawonla in Okelele, Ita Merin, Agbo-Oba, Alfa Yahaya, Alore, Alagbado, Sobi, Egbejila in Ilorin Metropolis, had thrown caution and due process to the wind due to deliberate violation of laws governing location of petrol stations.

Members had while contributing on the motion praised the mover of the motion, noting that the situation had become worrisome and should be checked to ensure protection of lives and properties.

Meanwhile, the Speaker also urged civil servants in the state to emulate the sterling qualities of the retiring Clerk of the House, Mr. Ayotunde Oyeniyi. Dr. Ahmad explained that the retiring Clerk had rendered meritorious service to his fatherland, noting that he was a shining example to others.