By George Mgbeleke

Alarmed at the damage caused by chemicalized fruits in the health of the citizenry,Senate on Wednesday at plenary condemned the harmful effect of using chemicals to ripen fruits that are sold in the nation’s markets and directed National Agency, Food Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Ministry of Agriculture and Consumer Protection Agency to investigate such unwholesome practices and bring culprits to book.

It also urged NAFDAC, Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, and Consumer Protection Agency to increase the level of awareness by continuous sensitization and public enlightenment on the hazardous implications of chemical ripening of fruits.

Senate further mandated NAFDAC and Nigerian Custom Service to ensure that imported fruits especially apples are not preserved with harmful chemicals

The Red Chamber also urged NAFDAC and Consumer Protection Agency to commence regular visits to fruits markets to check the practice of chemical ripening of fruits.

Mandated the Agencies to investigate the practice with an intention to halt the continuous unwholesome practices of chemical ripening of fruits among fruit sellers in Nigeria

These resolutions of the Senate follow a motion by Senator Anthony Ani(Ebonyi south)tagged “Urgent need to investigate with an intention to halt the continuous unwholesome practices of chemical ripening of fruits among fruit sellers in Nigeria”

In his lead debate, Senator Ani
noted that ripening of fruits is a natural physiological process that makes fruits sweeter, more palatable, edible, nutritious, softer and attractive.

According to him,Fruits ripening is a highly regulated irreversible process that involves highly coordinated, complex biochemical and physiological changes.

He noted that artificial ripening of fruits involves the external application of chemicals and other agents to achieve faster and more uniform ripening of fruits.

The lawmaker observed that “among the widely used artificial ripening agents, are ethylene and methyl jasmonate which have been reported to be non-toxic for human consumption, but in many developing countries (Nigeria inclusive), low-cost and harmful chemicals such as calcium carbide, ethylene glycol, and ethephon are reported to be commonly used to artificially trigger the ripening processes of fruits.

“Informed that the cosmetic quality of artificially ripened fruits will increase but organoleptic qualities (taste, colour and smell), nutrition value and shelf life are depreciated when fruits are subjected to treatment without considering maturity status.”

He expressed great concern that nutrition experts and regulatory agencies such as NAFDAC, Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, etc, have warned against fruit ripening with calcium carbide, describing it as a harmful practice that endangers human lives.

He added that “Calcium carbide contains impurities such as arsenic, lead particles, phosphorus, etc., that cause several health hazards such as cancer, heart, kidney and liver failure, neurological disorders, intestinal problems, skin damage, mouth ulcers, etc.

“Sad that the practice of ripening of fruits with dangerous chemicals have been on the increase among fruit sellers in Nigeria.

“Further sad that many of these fruit sellers are ignorant of the health hazards posed by the consumption of artificially ripened fruits but driven by the incremental profit made as most customers prefer to patronize the artificially ripened fruits due to its enhanced cosmetic appearance not knowing that they are buying poison.”

In their contributions senators Sadiq Umar,Osita Izunaso,Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole and Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin lamented the dangerous effect of chemicalized fruits in most Nigerian markets.

According to the lawmakers NAFDAC should be blamed for allowing the unwholesome practices to continue to grow in the country.

Senator Jibrin directed NAFDAC to engage in random checks on fruits sellers in the nation’s markets with a view to fishing out culprits among them for prosecution.

In his remarks, President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio who lamented the increasing death tolls recorded from those who suffered from cancer,liver and other diseases caused by chemicalized fruits.

He stressed the need for the sponsor of the motion to go beyond motion and amend it to bill to regularize NAFDAC to ensure stiff penalty for offenders of chemicalized fruits.

By David Owei, Yenagoa.

The pro-Wike political group, the New Associates in Bayelsa, has applauded the Judiciary for not yielding to intimidation in the case involving its member, Ms Awudumu Reigneth.

Judicial logo

Reacting to Reigneth’s release after meeting her bail conditions, the convener and lead of New Associates, Georger Turnah, commended the Judiciary for demonstrating its strong independence in the face of intimidation.

Turnah, in a press statement signed by his media assistant, Kevin Loveday-Egbo, stated that Chief Magistrate Baitmizimo demonstrated exceptional courage.

‘’We would also like to commend Chief Magistrate Obiri Baitimizimo for her courage and boldness in ensuring justice, even in the face of obvious intimidation. The Bayelsa State Judiciary has once again demonstrated its independence and integrity by not yielding to the grand plan of Diri’s administration to keep Reigneth incarcerated as punishment for exercising her rights to free speech and expression. The courageous decision made by the magistrate to grant bail in the most liberal terms underscores the importance of a functional judiciary in safeguarding democracy, which is an exemplary high for the State Judiciary.’’

Turnah, while also commending Reigneth for ‘’unwavering courage and determination in the face of oppression’’ also applauded the professionalism and commitment of the legal team.

He however, expressed disappointment that” oppressive tactics and intimidation have become the hallmarks of the Diri-led prosperity administration’’ and implored the government to face serious issues of governance.

‘’As we celebrate Reigneth’s freedom, let us remain steadfast in our commitment to justice, equality, and democracy for all Bayelsans. Together, we will overcome the challenges posed by this current administration and build a state that reflects the hopes and aspirations of its people.

” We call on Governor Diri to focus on serious issues of governance, particularly the insecurity that is ravaging our State, rather than dissipating energy on targeting perceived enemies and wasting public funds on political battles. It is time to put the best interests of Bayelsans first.’’