Gov. Okpebholo Cracks Down On Market Unions

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

In a bid to arrest the arbitrary increases in the prices of food and essential commodities, the Edo State Governor,  Senator Monday Okpebholo, on Wednesday, November, 20, suspended the activities of all market unions in the State.

A statement issued by Fred Itua, the Governor’s media aide , also mandated security agencies in the State to crack down on defaulters of the blanket ban.

Governor Okpebholo expressed deep concern that credible intelligence has indicated that the unwholesome activities of the market unions and their leaderships are the major factors driving the astronomical increases in the prices of food items at the various markets in the State.

The Governor noted that the market unions have been in the destructive habits of preventing farmers and other local dealers on food stuffs from freely discharging and selling their produce.

He stated that the market Union authorities arbitrarily act as middle persons inflecting prices far beyond the reach of the ordinary people.

Governor Okpebholo warned that as a responsible Government, it will not sit by idly and watch a few greedy and unscrupulous elements subject innocent residents to untold hardship.

“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 contributions 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”, part of the statement reads.