Edo State governor, Monday Okpebholo, has suspended market unions and associations in the state with immediate effect for their alleged involvement in activities that make traders sell goods to residents at exorbitant prices.

This was disclosed in a statement by the Secretary to State Government, Umar Ikhilor, on Monday, and signed by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua.

According to the statement, Mr Okpebholo ordered the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies in the state to arrest any leader of the suspended unions and associations that defied the order.

The statement noted that the governor approved the suspension of the activities of market unions in Edo State with immediate effect, adding that security agents had been put on alert, and any person or group who decided to flout the directive would be held accountable.

The statement quoted the governor as saying that the order became imperative after the state government became aware 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 to 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.”

Stating that the act needed to be urgently curbed, the governor said his administration wouldn’t allow any of the selfish union and association leaders to continue with the extortion and holding the state to ransom.

He said, “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.’’