RIGHTS OF CONSUMERS NOT TO BE CHEATED THIS FESTIVE PERIOD IN FOCUS
Christma
s is a known season of celebration as a lot of people travel to various places, many engage in shopping while some others make huge sales.
A consumer is a person who buys goods and patronizes services, for their own use.
However, it has been observed that during festive periods, especial y at Christmas, there is significant increase in the level of shopping and demand for services.
Unfortunately, many have fallen victims to sharp practices and other anti-people vices.
Reports abound that Nigerian consumers have been abused, insulted and their rights trampled upon by some service providers, manufacturers, sellers of goods and so on.
A victim of such exploit, Comrade Fidelis Edeh said it was immoral to use the Christmas rush to cheat people, citing the perennial fuel scarcity during yuletide as a case in point.
The Director, Consumer Protection and Trade Matters, Ministry of Commerce and Industry Dr Fidelis Okeke assured consumers of the agency’s commitment to ensuring that they were not cheated and their rights protected during this period.
Dr Okeke also advised members of the public to do well to report any abuse of their rights for prompt action.
In an interview, the Deputy Speaker, Enugu State House of Assembly, ChiefDonatusUzogbado stated that the season was a time to remember the birthof Christ and not the period of trying to live above one’s means.
ANGELA EFFIONG