Edo Government Frowns at Hike in Prices of Food Items, to Deal With Defaulting Traders

Edo State government has frowned at hike in prices of food items and other household essentials by traders in the state.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Wealth Creation, Cooperatives and Employment, Joel Edionwele, while appealing for sacrifices by traders to ameliorate the suffering of the most vulnerable during the period said it would commence monitoring of prices of essential commodities that any person found to be anti-government or the people, will be treated according to the law.

“The public is hereby reminded that COVID-19 pandemic is a global phenomenon and, therefore, calls for sacrifice and lending support to the most vulnerable in the society.

“In Edo, the state government, under the leadership of Governor Godwin Obaseki, has put measures in place to ensure citizens are safe and are able to pull through this period with minimum discomfort.

“In spite of government’s effort, it is sad to note that some citizens are making life unbearable for others by arbitrarily increasing the prices of food items like sachet water and other household items. We must all endeavour to assist, in any way possible, to reduce the hardship that may be associated with the restriction in movement.  It is in this regard that the Edo State government wishes to appeal to traders and sellers of food items and household essentials to refrain from exploitative tendencies. No citizen should cash in on this period for any reason.

“To ensure the safety of all, the state government through the Ministry of Wealth Creation, Cooperatives and Employment and its agencies has commenced monitoring of prices of essential commodities throughout the state” the statement said.