The protesters, from the Association of Commodity Traders Women and Men of Nigeria and the Traders Welfare Association, led by Comrade Lucky Orukpe, have been protesting the alleged mismanagement of N100 million disbursed by Comrade Adams Oshiomhole’s administration in 2013. They also described Madam Ogiamien as an agent of inflation.
Speaking to journalists, Madam Ogiamien said the protesters are people hired by politicians to cause disharmony among members of the association. She maintained that the protesters are not known to the market women, emphasizing that Comrade Lucky Olukpe does nothave a shop in the market.
“Our association is not partisan; we are not religious. We support every government in power,” Madam Ogiamien said. “Those passing a vote of no confidence on me are not part of us. How can they judge me when they are not part of us? They are not our members; they are employed by politicians to cause trouble.”
The Secretary of the Edo State Market Women Association, Mrs. Maureen Okojie, reacted to the allegation that Madam Blacky Ogiamien was responsible for the hike in commodities in Edo. She stated that the high cost of commodities is due to the increase in pump prices, among other factors. Mrs. Okojie maintained that inflation is a global issue, with Nigeria’s case being more severe due to factors like increments in pump prices and insecurity.
