By Eben Enasco
Traders in Edo State have staged a peaceful protest to the State House of Assembly and the Government House, Benin City to seek government intervention into the rising cost of living in the state
The protesters, comprising members of the Traders’ Welfare Union of Nigeria, Edo State chapter and Ekiosa Market Traders Association, targeted major streets, the Edo State House of Assembly, and the Secretariat of the State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, before moving to the Government House in the GRA axis of Benin
They attributed the price hike in goods which has occasioned the rising cost of living to the activities of market unions and associations and decried the government’s perceived inaction in facilitating the reconstruction of Ekiosa market, which was burnt down a few years ago.
President of the Traders’ Welfare Union of Nigeria, Mr Lucky Orukpe and the Chairman of the Ekiosa Market Traders Association, Mr Agho Anthony called for immediate action to address the issue, warning that prices of goods would continue to rise if the activities of market union leaders are not checked.
Orukpe disclosed that the market union leaders force traders to join their unions with exorbitant fees and items, while those who refuse are meant to go through different ordeals, including, arrest and seizure of their goods
The protesters highlighted the traders’ frustration, with the rising cost of living and the perceived inaction of the government in addressing their concerns.
Carrying placards with messages such as “Evil unions in Edo markets are responsible for hikes in foodstuffs” and “Unions in Edo markets are causing pain to our people,” the protesters demanded an end to illegal unions in markets.
