The Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has on Wednesday suspended all market unions and associations in Edo State with immediate effect.
According to the Diaspora Digital Media (DDM), the governor’s decision was made public through a notice issued by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr.Umar Musa Ikhilor, which was distributed to journalists in Benin City, the Edo State capital.
The governor has also directed law enforcement and security agencies to immediately apprehend leaders of suspended unions and associations who fail to comply.
As reported, the governor cited the market unions’ troubling activities as the reason behind his decision.
“There are allegations that executives of market unions and associations are preventing direct sales from farmers to consumers or fixing prices randomly, negatively impacting low-income individuals,” the governor stated.
The statement read: “Reports have alerted the state government to the harmful practices of market union executives, who either prevent direct sales or fix prices randomly, affecting low-income individuals and the general population.”
“The market unions’ actions have caused staple food prices to skyrocket, severely impacting the quality of life for average Edo residents.”
“The Edo State Government views this action with alarm and considers it exploitative, requiring decisive action to prevent its persistence.”
“The Edo State Government values the contributions of market traders to the state’s economy, but will not tolerate a few individuals exploiting their positions in market unions for personal gain, holding the state hostage with extortionate practices.”
“Effective immediately, Governor Monday Okpebholo has suspended the activities of all market unions and associations in Edo State.”
“The state has put security personnel on notice to take action against any individual or group that disregards this order,” the statement concluded.
Know about Okpebholo
Monday Okpebholo is a Nigerian politician and businessman who has been making waves in Edo State.
He was born on August 29, 1970, in Udomi-Uwessan, Irrua, Edo, Nigeria.
Early Life and Education of Okpebholo
He attended Udomi Community Primary School and Ujabhole Community Secondary School in Uwesan Irrua, Esan Central LGA.
Later, he obtained a degree in Business Administration from the University of Abuja and a Master’s degree in Policy and Leadership Studies from the same institution.
Career of Okpebholo
Okpebholo’s political journey began when he contested for the Senate Seat in Edo Central senatorial district under the All Progressives Congress (APC) and won on February 25, 2023.
He was inaugurated into the 10th National Assembly of Nigeria on June 13, 2023. In February 2024, he won the Edo State APC gubernatorial primary election and later became the Executive Governor of Edo State.
Personal Life
Okpebholo is married to Blessing Okpapi Ekpe, and they have two children together. He’s a committed Christian and an active member of the Redeemed Christian Church of God.
Activities of market associations and unions in Edo State
Market associations and unions in Edo State have been involved in various activities, some of which have been contentious and led to Governor Monday Okpebholo’s suspension of their operations.
Controversial activities
The unions are alleged of imposing arbitrary fees and levies on traders and customer, manipulating prices of goods and services, preventing farmers from selling directly to consumers, using thugs to enforce union rules, embezzling union funds and corruption among leadership, and allowing criminal elements to infiltrate market unions, and ignoring state and local government regulations.
Reasons for suspension
Edo unions and associations are suspended for exploiting traders and consumers, hindering economic growth and development, undermining government authority, and fostering insecurity and lawlessness in the state.
The suspension aims to restore order, promote fair trade practices, and protect citizens’ welfare.
However, some traders and union members have expressed concerns about the suspension’s impact on their livelihoods.