TRADERS at the Singer market in Kano have rejected alleged claims that they are involved in hoarding of essential goods and commodities.
The traders, who were at the Kano Public Complaint and Anti Corruption Commission (PCACC) office, dissociated themselves from the alleged ill practice and also pledged to sustain the current price of foodstuff from now onwards.
Ibrahim Danyaro, leader of the traders, spoke shortly after a meeting which held on morning.
He said, “We don’t hoard goods and other essential commodities; that’s why we are here today to discuss the issues with the PCACC.
“We have come with our receipts and invoices and they have understood us clearly that we are not involved in that practice, we are just businessmen buying from manufacturers and still at that, we sell at the lowest price than any place you can think of in the state.”
This newspaper reports that on Sunday, the commission raided several warehouses in the state suspected to be stocked up with hoarded goods and sealed off facilities.
However, further speaking, another businessman, Hamisu Rabiu, assured that they would do anything possible within their power to sustain the current price of goods and commodities, especially as fasting period approaches.
“As we said, we are not responsible for the increased price, we are also battling with it. However, we will do our best in maintaining the current price as far as we are concerned. This is a promise especially that now the fasting period is around the corner.
“The problem is not ours but we have advised the commission to sit with the companies that we are also dealing with to hear the root cause of the issue from their end.”
On his part, the Chairman of the Commission, Muhuyi Magaji Rimin Gado explained that the commission is convinced with the facts presented by the traders, pointing out that most of the warehouses visited were not in the Singer market but elsewhere.
He therefore stressed the commitment of the commission and the government in trying to fish out those hoarding goods.
“We are convinced that they don’t do that and they have expressed their readiness to work and support us in this regard. We want to assure the public and erring traders that we will not relent in bringing out those who are hoarding goods.
“We already knew about some people hoarding rice and we are coming after them. We are also appealing to the public to assist us in this regard.”