The Public Complaint and Anti-Corruption Commission (PCACC) has issued a stern warning regarding the hoarding of foodstuff and other commodities in warehouses and stores, exacerbating the existing hardships faced by the people.
Muhuyi Magaji Rimingado, the chairman of the commission, conveyed this message during a press briefing at his office in response to the recent public outcry over increasing difficulties. Rimingado disclosed that the commission has activated an intelligence mechanism to address the issue and intends to take action against the warehouses and stores involved before the onset of the month of Ramadan.
He urged the public to cooperate by providing valuable information that could aid in identifying locations where commodities are being unlawfully stockpiled.
“With the advent of Ramadan, we are not going to fold our arms as we are going to swing into action. We are not going to watch people take advantage of the situation by engaging in hoarding and compounding the situation.
“We are asking people with useful information to come forward with them to help the commission identify warehouses or stores where hoarding is taking place. The commission will be glad with such genuine information and will protect the identity of such a person.
“I believe there is a problem of inflation which is one of the genesis of hardship but hoarding too also contributes, and we will not allow it.
“To even hoard and take advantage of the people is undue influence and that is part of corruption. We are overwhelmed; this is the most essential part of our job.
“The Kano State government is worried over the situation. The situation is unbearable; people are hungry. A hungry man is an angry man.
“We are appealing to the traders that if they know they hoard the foodstuff to take advantage of the situation, they should bring it out to the market because we will not allow it.
“And if we find essential commodities that are hoarded, we have three options. One of the options is to lock down the store, seize the property and take the matter to court. And the court in its wisdom will tell us what to do with the property. And that is a setback to the owner because we have confiscated the property and it can get spoilt,” Rimingado declared.
