Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has suspended all market unions and associations in the state, effective immediately. This decision, announced through a statement by the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Musa Ikhilor, was prompted by reports of exploitative practices by union leaders.
The unions were accused of preventing farmers from selling directly to consumers and arbitrarily inflating food prices, causing hardship for low-income earners. Governor Okpebholo described these actions as extortionist, leading to an unreasonable rise in the cost of staple foods across the state.
The Governor has directed security agencies to arrest any union leaders defying the suspension. He emphasized that while traders are vital to the state’s economy, their activities must not harm the general public.