News

High cost of Goods : Edo State Governor suspends activities of market unions, associations

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo has suspended all market unions and associations in the State with immediate effect.

The Governor has also ordered the Police and other security agencies in the state to arrest defaulting leaders of the various suspended unions and associations without any delay.

The decision of the Governor was contained in a statement issued by the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Musa Ikhilor, and dated 19th November 2024.

The Governor said the decision was informed by the disturbing activities of market Unions in the State.

He said reports abound that the executives of the unions and associations either out rightly prevent farmers from disposing off their wares directly to consumers at the markets or arbitrarily fix prices of staple food at the detriment of the citizens of the state.

The statement reads: “The attention of the state government has been drawn to the disturbing activities of market unions in the State.

“Reports abound that the Executives of these Unions either out rightly prevent farmers from disposing off their wares directly to consumers at the markets or arbitrarily fix prices of these staple food at the detriment of the low income earners and generally, the citizens of the State.

“Their actions have ultimately led to an astronomical rise in the prices of staple food in the state, thereby making life unbearable for citizens of the state.

“Edo State Government views this action with serious concern and considers it extortionist in nature which should not be allowed to continue.

“While Edo State Government appreciates the role of traders and their contribution to the economy of the state, it will not however serve as justification to allow a few individuals under the guise of market unions executives and for their selfish reasons, continue to hold the entire state to ransom through their selfish and extortionist activities.

“Following from the foregoing, the Governor of Edo State, His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo has approved the suspension of the activities of all market unions in Edo State with immediate effect.

“Security Agents have been put on alert, and any person or group who decides to flout this directive would be held accountable, ”concludes the statement.

 

Show More

Related Articles

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Back to top button

Adblock Detected

Please consider supporting us by disabling your ad blocker