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Edo Governor Suspends Market Unions to Tackle Rising Food Prices

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Aimed at addressing the soaring cost of foodstuffs in Edo State, Governor Monday Okpebholo has announced the immediate suspension of all market unions and associations across the state.

The decision follows growing concerns over the harmful activities of these market unions, which have been accused of exploiting consumers and driving up food prices in the region.

Governor Okpebholo, in his statement, expressed deep concern over the actions of these unions, which he said were preventing farmers from directly selling their goods to consumers at the market.

Additionally, he pointed out that the unions were arbitrarily fixing prices for staple foods, ultimately making life more difficult for low-income residents in Edo State.

These practices have reportedly led to a sharp increase in the prices of essential commodities, putting a strain on families who are already struggling with the rising cost of living.

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The suspension was officially communicated to the public in a statement from Fred Itua, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, on Wednesday.

The statement also included a stern warning to those involved in such activities.

Governor Okpebholo ordered the police and other law enforcement agencies in the state to take immediate action against the leaders of the suspended unions and associations.

Anyone found violating the directive will face swift legal consequences.

According to the Governor’s office, the suspension of these market unions and associations is part of a broader effort to protect the interests of consumers and ensure fair pricing in the state.

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The Governor stressed that while the state acknowledges the vital role market traders play in the economy, it cannot allow a small group of union executives to hold the entire state hostage with extortionate practices.

The government described the actions of these unions as “extortionist” and vowed to take steps to put an end to them.

This change is due to several public calls for the government to intervene in the activities of the market unions.

One call came from the Coalition of Registered Political Parties (CRPP) in Edo State, which urged the Governor to take stronger actions to regulate the unions.

The CRPP had pointed out that the unchecked activities of market unions were contributing to the skyrocketing prices of foodstuffs, further burdening residents who were already struggling with the high cost of living.

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Samson Isibor, the state chairman of CRPP, emphasized that the Governor’s focus should also include addressing the rising insecurity in the state, which has made it increasingly difficult for farmers to safely access their farmlands.

This, according to Isibor, has contributed to the scarcity of produce and, consequently, the inflated prices of food.


 

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“China Is Not Afraid of Trade War With the US” – Xi Jinping Says to Trump

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Xi Jinping, China’s leader, has firmly stated that his country is “not afraid,” addressing the ongoing trade war with the United States for the first time publicly.

Speaking with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez in Beijing on Friday, Xi made it clear that China would not be intimidated by external pressures, as reported by state broadcaster CCTV.

The trade war, which began under President Donald Trump, has rattled global markets and raised concerns about a potential worldwide recession.

Xi emphasized, “There are no winners in a trade war. Pursuing conflict with the world will only lead to isolation.”

He added, “For over seven decades, China’s progress has been driven by hard work and self-reliance, not by handouts from others. We are not afraid of any unfair suppression.”

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“China will stay confident, focused, and committed to managing its own affairs, no matter how the external situation evolves.”

These comments followed the announcement from The White House that the Trump administration has raised tariffs on Chinese goods to 145 percent, with the new rates taking effect immediately.


 

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US President Trump Expresses Gratitude to Cabinet, Pledges Support for DOGE

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United Stated President, Donald Trump reveals his intention of keeping Department of Government Efficiency, DOGE, services.

The president revealed his intention during a recent meeting at the White House with his cabinet. Donald trump expressed gratitude and desire to keep working with the team during the meeting.

“Your people are fantastic, hopefully, they’ll stay around for the long haul. We’ll like to keep as many as we can. They ‘re great, smart, sharp, finding things that nobody thought of, and very computer savvy.”


 

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Peter Obi Calls for Release of 15-Year-Old Yusuf Alabi After His Unlawful Detention

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There is growing outrage over the case of 15-year-old Yusuf Alabi, a supporter of Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, who has been held at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre since January this year.

Alabi gained national attention in 2023 after a viral photo showed him standing in front of Obi’s convoy during a rally in Lagos. The image became a symbol of hope for Nigerian youth, with many supporters rallying behind him.

Peter Obi, shocked by the boy’s detention, expressed his concern on social media, urging authorities to respect the rule of law. He also revealed that he had contacted lawyer Inibehe Effiong, who has been working hard to secure Alabi’s release.

Obi called on the police and government officials to operate within the law, warning against using citizens, particularly the youth, as political tools.

Effiong visited the facility where Alabi is being held and shared his findings on Facebook. After interviewing Alabi, the lawyer explained that the boy was abducted by local “area boys” in January while returning from work.

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The area boys had been threatening him for not sharing the money he received after the viral photo with Obi. Effiong revealed that after the abduction, Alabi was taken to Amukoko Police Station, where he was falsely charged with armed robbery alongside four strangers.

Effiong found the charges suspicious, noting that Alabi had been wrongly accused of robbing two victims of N579,000 in cash and phones. After his investigation, Effiong concluded that Alabi is another victim of Nigeria’s flawed criminal justice system.

Activist lawyer Deji Adeyanju also reacted, mentioning how such injustices are part of the daily struggles faced by the country’s poor and helpless citizens.


 

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