Food inflation: Sultan asks ICPC to probe ‘hoarding of essential commodities’ by traders

Muhammadu Abubakar, the Sultan of Sokoto, has asked the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to thoroughly investigate alleged hoarding of essential commodities by marketers.

Abubakar spoke on Thursday when he received Garba Tukur-Garba, ICPC commissioner in charge of Sokoto and Kebbi states.

The Sultan said hoarding of foodstuff is also a type of corruption.

“Hoarding foodstuff is corruption. Some marketers hoard food items to obtain gains especially during Ramadan fasting. I have been talking against such attitudes,” NAN quoted Abubakar as saying.

“Hoarding essential commodities with intent to obtain higher gain is against religious doctrines and the laws prohibit such acts because it subjects people to hardship.”

The Sultan urged ICPC and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to harmonise their anti-corruption battle, noting that the struggle needs to be supported at all levels.

He reassured the ICPC of the support of the traditional rulers in checking corruption.

The Sultan also cautioned the agency against selective investigations.

“Anti corruption agencies must succeed. We are ready to support you at every level. The Sultanate council has reprinted books authored by Sheikh Usman Danfodio and his disciples on corruption,” he added.

On his part, the ICPC commissioner said the agency’s war against corruption is key to good governance, growth and development of the nation.

Tukur-Idris said ICPC is committed to detecting and tackling corruption which has a negative impact on Nigeria’s image.

He said the impact of corruption is manifested in under-development and poverty which makes the prospect of investment unappealing.