Reopening a business that was shut by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) for violating pricing regulations can never be an easy task.
However, with the right connection, even the impossible can be made possible.
Recently, this connection played out in Nigeria.
It all started in February when the FCCPC shut down Sahad Stores.
FCCPC investigations had shown that the supermarket was violating the law on pricing amid soaring food prices.
“The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) conducted an on-the-spot check on Sahad Stores in Abuja on February 16, 2024, leading to the temporary closure of the store due to continued violations involving misleading pricing and lack of transparency,” the commission said in a press release.
It added: “Earlier, on January 8, 2024, the FCCPC investigated Sahad Stores following reports of misleading pricing practices.
The investigation revealed that Sahad Stores displayed lower prices on shelves and charged higher prices at checkout, contravening Section 115 of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018.”
Summons By FCCPC
Meanwhile, according to the FCCPC, a summons was issued to Sahad Stores’ staff.
The staffs were to appear on February 12, 2024, to discuss corrective measures.
The staff’s failure to attend without justification raised concerns about potential violations under section 33(3) of the FCCPA.
However, while FCCPC waited for the management of Sahad Stores to appear before them, Vice President Shettima decided to intervene.
The reason is no secret.
You see, the sealed supermarket belongs to one Ibrahim Mijinyawa, who happens to be the VP’s friend.
Shettima said he called the commission’s head and directed him to immediately open Sahad Store.
Vice President Shettima spoke on Saturday at the commissioning of Sahad Hospitals in Abuja.
Furthermore, Shettima explained the reasons why he directed the FCCPC to immediately reopen Sahad Store, a supermarket owned by his friend Mijinyawa.
Shettima was quoted in a report by Peoples Gazette to have said: “When the FCCPC locked up his store, I had to call the head of the agency to say, ‘Please, reopen the store before you come and tell me what happened.
I did so because I know how helpful Sahad Stores is to many Nigerians.”
Also Read: FCCPC Begins Food, Goods Price Enforcement In Abuja
“He (Alhaji Mijinyawa) is a very good man. He has used his business to touch many lives.
If he were a selfish man, he would have kept his money to himself, his children, and grandchildren alone because he has enough to take care of himself till he leaves this world.”
Shettima’s comment has left many in shock.
Mutual Understanding
This is because the acting executive vice chairman of FCCPC, Adamu Abdullahi, had said in a statement on February 17 that the reopening of the supermarket followed a mutual understanding and commitment from the store to implement transparent pricing practices.
Now, Nigerians are fully aware of what actually transpired behind the curtains.
You see, Shettima’s comments exposed how connections between Nigerian business owners and political figures can lead to legal exemptions and the evasion of accountability.
Now, Nigerians are angry.
As we speak, social media is beginning to swell with reactions as Nigerians air their views with many dragging the vice president for what they describe as ‘abuse of power’.
