From Danjuma Labiru Bolari, Gombe
Traders in Gombe main market of Gombe State have been warned against arbitrary increases in prices of foodstuff and manipulation of measuring units.
Our correspondent reports that the warning was a result of the refusal by grain sellers to adjust prices downwards despite the falling prices of grains across the state.
Barr Sani A. A Haruna, chairman of Gombe Local Government Council, during an unscheduled visit to monitor the transactions in the market, gave the warning, particularly to those dealing in wares of daily needs.
“I am giving you three days to comply, and I will return to ensure that prices are reduced and proper measuring units are used,” he stated.
Haruna, who is also the State ALGON chairman however, said the visit was not to intimidate them but as a way of checkmating their activities tsellpricesallowed sympathize with buyers who are also suffering from the economic hardship.
He pleaded with the traders to show compassion and sell their wares at reasonable prices with standard government-approved measuring units for grains rather than using manipulated measuring units.
According to the Council Boss, he would consult with his colleagues to ensure only government-approved measuring units would be an for transactions in all markets statewide.
The Council chairman also appealed to traders not to participate in any planned nationwide protests, stating that the solution to the economic meltdown needs collective effort that will bring relief.
The chairman n announced that an undercover committee would be set up to monitor compliance or non-participation of the protest by traders across the local government area.
In a remark, the Gombe State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, (NSCDC) Muhammad Bello Mu’azu lamented that retail traders have not adjusted their measurements, while prices of food have decreased.
Speaking on behalf of the traders, the state chairman Gombe Traders Association Alhaji Uba Abdullahi said the vision was aligned with to policies of the association which have been for traders to show compassion to customers due to the severe economic hardship being faced by everyone.
While expressing delight with the visit, Uba Abdullahi, assured that no member of the association will participate in the planned protest.
Some sections of the market visited include rice sellers, spice vendors, butchers, and vegetable sellers among others.