AFRICA

Edo Governor Suspends All Market Unions Over Price Fixing, Extortion Allegations

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

He 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 communication notice issued by the Secretary to State Government, Umar Musa Ikhilor, and dated November 19 2024.

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

According to him, reports abound that the executives of the unions and associations either outrightly 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 low income earners in 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 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, 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.”

Friday Olokor

Follow us on:

Friday Olokor

Recent Posts

10,900 North Korean Troops Deployed to Russia, Engaged in Ukraine War, South Korea’s NIS Reveals

South Korea's NIS reported that 10,900 North Korean troops were deployed to Russia, with some…

2 hours ago

Kano Begins Construction of 1,000 Classrooms to Address Congestion, Improve Education Infrastructure

Kano State has began construction of 1,000 classrooms across 44 LGAs, tackling classroom congestion six…

2 hours ago

EU Pledges €91 Million to Boost Cameroon’s Infrastructure, Investment

The EU has pledged €91 million to Cameroon for infrastructure development, focusing on energy, transport,…

2 hours ago

Biden Approves Anti-Personnel Mines for Ukraine

Biden has approved anti-personnel mines for Ukraine as the US embassy in Kyiv warns of…

2 hours ago

Trump Chooses McMahon for Education, Mehmet Oz for Medicare and Medicaid, Lutnick for Commerce

Trump nominates Dr. Oz for Medicare and Medicaid, Linda McMahon for Education, and Howard Lutnick…

3 hours ago

FG Signs Contract for Enugu-Abakaliki-Ogoja Highway

Federal Ministry of Works has signed contract for Enugu-Abakaliki-Ogoja Highway to boost economic corridors and…

4 hours ago