By Ogenyi Ogenyi,Uyo
Akwa Ibom State Traders Association has commenced moved against forceful market unions in the state, in order to alleviate the sufferings of consumers in the state. This is after Governor Uno Eno had instructed that membership of market unions in the different markets of the state by individual traders should not be by force.
Speaking after the State Market Monitoring Team took a tour of some markets in Uyo yesterday, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Trade Matters Mr Idorenyin Raphael maintained that no trader should be forced to belong to any market union, affirming that such an act is punishable by law.
The leadership of Akwa Ibom State Traders had agreed that no one should be forced to be part of any union.This is because Pastor Umo Eno has seen that things are difficult already for anyone to be forced to join any group.
One month ago, a law was passed by the leadership of Akwa Ibom State Traders that unions should not force people to be part of them but one could join voluntarily. We came to confirm if such acts are still being carried out here. No one should be bullied, and if the bully is caught, such a person will be treated like a criminal.” Rapheal explained.
The SSA further stated that everyone has the right to sell their products in the market any day they choose to without restrictions, adding that sharing of days for traders to sell in the market should be discontinued.
There are no more regulated market days. Anyone has the right to bring anything to the market to sell. Bring your wares and come to the market any day you like.
“Nobody should stop you from selling any day you want to. Sellers are permitted to report such persons to the the market president or the nearest police station.
“Governor Umo Eno does not want people to pass through added stress in this trying times. So I urge everyone to abide by the rules of Akwa Ibom Market Association.” He said, Addressing the issue of ticketing in the Akpan Andem market, he explained that he was willing to work with the market management to cushion the effect of it.
I have had complaints about tickets in the market. I will speak with the Local Government chairman. I don’t have the right to announce it now. Few months ago, we did so at Itam Market. Now if you go to Itam, every Friday is a free ticket day. So I will speak with the chairman to see the need to give you a day too at Akpan Andem Market. I will also work with the market management and they will announce it soonest.”
He further revealed that the Governor’s plan to build an international market in Ikot Ekpene town remained on course. One of the things the Governor said during his one year in office is that he will build an international market for Ikot Ekpene people.
“If you observe, Ikot Ekpene is very close to Aba and if they have an enabling environment, a lot of people will leave Aba and come to Ikot Ekpene to do business. So the government has a good intention for the people and traders of Ikot Ekpene.” He said.
Raphael disclosed that the N1.5bn interest-free loan to traders with N500 million to be allocated to each Senatorial district has been released and urged traders to register their names at Ibom FADAMA Micro Finance Bank through their respective unions so as to get their share of the money.
