The Oyo State House of Assembly has begun investigations into reported illegalities in some markets in the state.
DAILY POST reports that the probe is sequel to a motion raised at plenary by the Chairman, House Committee on Commerce and Cooperative, Akinjide Olajide titled “Urgent needs to curb illegalities, mismanagement and revenue leakages in markets across Oyo State”.
The Assembly noted that the situation posed a grave danger for the economic growth of the state against what was envisioned by the Governor Seyi Makinde-led government.
The Assembly noted that the act of illegality being perpetrated by some market leaders, including tampering with approved physical structures within the markets, had distorted the original plans and made markets’ structures unattractive to investors.
Olajide who represents Lagelu state constituency, said the alteration of the physical outlay of markets in the state, as well as mismanagement of public facilities, were the remote causes of irrecoverable losses in markets during fire outbreaks incidences.
He spoke in reference to the blockage of access roads and other road networks in markets with unapproved structures.
He added that the illegal structures were making it impossible for firefighters to access points of fire during outbreaks.
The lawmaker lamented that illegal collection of government revenue had become the order of the day in some markets, thereby undermining the state’s efforts at generating revenue for infrastructural development.
He called for the improvement of sanitation in markets across the state and the entrenchment of discipline in a bid to combat revenue leakages and engender economic development.
Speaker of the Assembly, Adebo Ogundoyin, in his remarks said the safety of all markets in the state should be paramount to all stakeholders.
He pledged that the House would make adequate checks on issues of welfare, security and revenue generation in markets across the state.
The Assembly unanimously urged the state executives to put measures in place to resuscitate and empower the task force on markets.
It directed the Committee on Commerce and Cooperative, as well as the Committee on Environment and Ecology to investigate the matter promptly and report to the House in two weeks.Related Topics:
Bandits killed seven persons in different parts of Kaduna State on Sunday.
Samuel Aruwan, Commissioner for Internal Security, confirmed the incidents in a press statement
He said security agencies reported an attack on the people of Kajinjiri village, Igabi Local Government Area.
Two residents were killed. One person is receiving treatment for gunshot injuries.
In Rago village, also in Igabi Local Government Area, bandits killed two locals.
In a separate incident, gunmen invaded Kutura station in Kajuru Local Government Area, and killed three residents.
Governor Nasir El-Rufai has condoled the victims’ families and offered prayers for the repose of their souls.
Coordinator of the Kwara State chapter of Miyetti Allah Association of Cattle Breeders, Aliyu Mohammed, has said that the blockage of cattle and foodstuffs to the South West through Kwara State will continue until the safety of Fulani is guaranteed in the region.
Speaking to DAILY POST shortly after a crucial meeting of the association in Ilorin on Sunday, Mohammed, said the action is a warning shot to ensure a peaceful operation of businesses by the Fulani and to end the harassment of the tribe in the south.
He debunked allegations levelled against the Fulani, claiming that not all of them were criminals, adding “Just as you have in any society where there are good and bad people.”
Mohammed insisted that “It is not only Fulanis that commit crimes in the country, but it was sad that everything happening now is heaped on Fulani herdsmen.”
The coordinator said the association was ready to fish out the bad eggs in their midst.
According to him, “We have concluded at our meeting today that anybody who comes to Kwara State claiming to be Fulani herder under questionable circumstances, will be reported to the security agencies for necessary action.
“Our vigilantes will monitor the bush and the forests where there are no security agencies and report suspected cattle rustlers who disguise as cattle herders to perpetrate crimes,” he added.
Mohammed appealed to the Federal government to arrest Sunday Igboho, who evicted the Fulani from Igangan in Ibarapa Local Government Area of Oyo State, for the alleged destruction of their properties and killing of their people.
He, however, commended Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq for his statesmanship in accommodating and cooperating to ensure the safe landing of Fulanis in the state.
