By: Our Reporter, Calabar
The 8th Legislature of Obubra Council, has passed a by law that would clamp down on the alleged over bearing influence, monopoly extortion and undue exploitation of non members by unions in all markets within Obubra.
This is contained in a resolution passed by the house, following a motion of urgent public interest, by the Councilor representing Osopong 1, Hon Christian Otoba.
Otober, sited the relevant sections of the 1999 Constitution that allow for freedom of thought and association, right to life and freedom of movement without interference irrespective of tribe or religion.
The public interest heated debate at the floor of the Legislature, gave rise to invitation of Chairmen of the various trade unions to interface with the law makers with a view to reducing the hardship caused by activities and overlord ship of the various unions in the markets, thereby preventing young entrepreneurs from participating in business ventures to earn their livlihoods due to cohesion and outrageous bills and conditions imposed to join unions.
The house resolved with immediate effect that all markets within Obubra Local Government Area are free for all manner of persons to do their lawful businesses without fear of molestation by the unions.
Union membership is not mandatory. People are at liberty to become members of Association as it is their right to do so. It would constitute an offence if any one or group of persons interfer or prevent another from selling or buying from the market or any designated place as the case may be.
The resolution cover all food items ranging from yam ,gari, rice fish, meat palm oil potato, among others.
The law makers who urged the executive Chairman to put in place a formidable taskforce to checkmate and bring to book defaulters, have also mandated the Police and other security agencies to swing into action.
Defaulters have been warned as they shall be made to face the full wrath of the law.
