As part of measures to address the high cost of foodstuffs, the Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has suspended all market unions and associations in the state with immediate effect.
DAILY POST reports that the governor said the decision was informed by the disturbing activities of market unions in the state.
Okpebholo stated that the leadership of the unions prevents farmers from disposing of their wares directly to consumers at the markets or arbitrarily fixing prices of staple foods to the detriment of low-income earners in the state.
The suspension of the market unions and associations was contained in a statement made available to newsmen on Wednesday in Benin City by Fred Itua, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor.
The governor 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.
According to the statement: “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 outrightly prevent farmers from disposing of their wares directly to consumers at the markets or arbitrarily fix prices of these staple foods to the detriment of 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 the common Edo man.
“Edo State Government views this action with serious concern and considers it extortionist in nature, which should not be allowed to thrive.
“While Edo State Government appreciates the role of market traders and their contribution to the economy of our dear 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, to 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 will be held accountable,” he said.
DAILY POST recalls that the state chapter of the Coalition of Registered Political Parties (CRPP) had urged the governor to put policies in place to checkmate the activities of market unions to reduce the high cost of foodstuffs in the state.
Samson Isibor, the state chairman of CRPP, gave the advice in a statement made available to newsmen in Benin City while setting an agenda for the Governor Monday Okpebholo-led government.
Isibor encouraged the governor to address the activities of market unions to bring down the cost of commodities.
“The cost of living is also high in Edo State due to the activities of market unions, which dictate to traders the prices of foodstuffs. I encourage Governor Okpebholo to go after them to bring down the cost of commodities.
“He should also address insecurity, as farmers now find it difficult to go to their farmlands.
“The inability of farmers to go to the farm, for fear of being attacked by herdsmen and other criminal elements, has resulted in the high cost of food items,” he added.
Edo: Gov Okpebholo suspends market unions over high food prices
