To tackle the rising cost of foodstuffs in Edo State, Governor Monday Okpebholo has announced the immediate suspension of all market unions and associations in the state.
The decision, reported by DAILY POST, was driven by concerns over the activities of market unions, which the governor described as harmful to consumers and farmers.
Governor Okpebholo accused the unions’ leadership of preventing farmers from selling directly to consumers in the markets and of arbitrarily inflating the prices of staple foods, adversely affecting low-income residents.
The suspension was detailed in a statement issued on Wednesday in Benin City by Fred Itua, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor. The governor further directed security agencies to arrest any union leaders who defy the suspension.
The statement read:
“The State Government has noted with concern the troubling activities of market unions in Edo. There are reports that union executives either block farmers from selling directly to consumers or set arbitrary prices for staple foods, exacerbating the hardship faced by citizens, particularly low-income earners.
“This has led to an alarming rise in food prices, making life increasingly difficult for the average Edo resident. The government views these actions as extortionate and unacceptable.
“While the state recognizes the critical contributions of market traders to the economy, it cannot condone the selfish and exploitative activities of a few individuals operating under the guise of union leadership.
“Consequently, His Excellency, Governor Monday Okpebholo, has approved the immediate suspension of all market union activities in the state. Security agencies have been placed on high alert to enforce this directive, and any violations will be met with strict accountability.”
The suspension comes amid calls from the state chapter of the Coalition of Registered Political Parties (CRPP) for measures to curb the activities of market unions to reduce food prices. Samson Isibor, CRPP state chairman, urged the governor to address the unions’ role in inflating prices and to tackle insecurity, which prevents farmers from accessing their farmlands.
“The high cost of living in Edo State is largely due to the activities of market unions dictating food prices,” Isibor stated. “Governor Okpebholo should address this issue to lower costs and also improve security so farmers can safely access their farms. The fear of attacks by herdsmen and other criminal elements has significantly contributed to the rising cost of food.”