Akeredolu bars unions from fixing commodity prices, foodstuff

Ondo State Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, has barred all trading unions and associations under the umbrella of Ondo State United Artisan Group from fixing and enforcing uniform prices of goods and services, including farm produce and food items being sold or rendered by their members and non-members.

In a statement in Akure, yesterday, by the state’s Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mr. Donald Ojogo, the decision was taken in the overall socio-economic interest of the people.

According to him, the government has before now watched with discomfort and dismay the economic suffocation of the people with unimaginable increases in prices of goods and services in markets, shops, and other sales outlets across the state.

“Even without due regard for market forces, it is obvious that associations and unions are largely behind this unwholesome act.

“The state government has, therefore, decided to act decisively even as the public deserves protection from this undesirable exploitation under some guises,” he said.

He explained that to correct the anomaly, fixing of market prices and imposition of fixed exorbitant prices on the people under the guise of associations or unions must be stopped forthwith.

The commissioner said that there shall be no sale of tickets to artisans/traders by any association/union without due approval of the state government through the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), adding: “All concerned are, therefore, advised to adhere strictly to this directive as any person or group found to be flouting it will be made to face the full weight of the extant laws.

“It is to be noted too that this directive takes effect from today in all markets and sales outlets across the 18 local councils of the state.”