Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has announced the immediate suspension of all market unions and associations in the state, following reports of exploitative practices by their leaders.
The suspension was officially communicated on Wednesday through a statement from the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, and further confirmed by the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Musa Ikhilor.
The suspension comes in response to increasing concerns over the activities of market union executives who have been accused of preventing farmers from selling directly to consumers and arbitrarily fixing prices for essential food items.
In a statement, the Governor condemned these activities, describing them as extortionist and harmful to the state’s economy.
“The Edo State Government views this action with serious concern and considers it extortionist in nature, which should not be allowed to thrive,” the statement read partly.
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Okpebholo emphasized that while the government appreciates the role of market traders in the state’s economy, it will not tolerate any practices that exploit the citizens.
He stressed that the actions of the market union leaders, under the guise of their roles, have made life unbearable for ordinary Edo people.
Governor Okpebholo has directed the police and other security agencies in the state to arrest any leaders of the suspended unions who defy the directive. “Security agents have been put on alert, and anyone who decides to flout this directive will be held accountable,” the statement added.
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