The Association of Crayfish and Fish Traders’ Union in Delta state has called on the state government to help support the trade so that they can make more sales and profit.
The association made this call when they paid a visit to the Chairman of Burutu Local Security Outfit, Hon. Godday Smith, aka Bounana-owei at his Warri residence on Monday, March 7, 2022.
According to the group, the association needs the support of the Delta State Government and security agencies in the riverine to curtail the challenges they are experiencing regarding the back door conduct of their external buyers in the fish business.
Mrs. Mary Atokara-owei, Chairlady of the association, while speaking to a GbaramatuVoice correspondent stated that sales are no longer what they used to be.
Atokara-owei said: “Retailers do buy goods from us, but after some time they started traveling to the river and began to struggle goods with us. They broke our rule, which says ‘one cannot buy fish or crayfish at wholesale without being part in our union’.”
She said. Adding that, “every market has its own union which everyone abides by their rules, so we have come to urge all fish buyers to come to us ‘the main gate’ to buy, else, the task force set in place will take nasty action.”
Speaking on behalf of the Burutu Local Security Outfit Chairman, Comrade Elder Boro B. Ekotoro J.P, stated that the security outfit will provide the needed support for the traders to do their business.
He said: “If things are not set in place the buyers will suffer it most. We are not depriving people of trading but if really you want to trade, join the union and pay the necessary dues. However, if anyone is caught buying from the river without the consent of the union, the security will take care of you appropriately.”
By Solomon Yeigagha
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