Abba Hikima, a public analyst, has lamented over the hawking of UNICEF relief material in several states in Nigeria.
The UNICEF material he spoke about was a sky blue bag with the organization’s name written boldly on it.
The public analyst said he is shocked to see children selling material meant to be free on the street.
He noted that selling such material is a criminal offense. Buying it also can lead to 14-year imprisonment.
“I am shocked to learn @UNICEF relief materials are being openly hawked in several Nigerian states while the @PoliceNG does nothing. Anyone who buys this bag is liable to 14 years of imprisonment for receiving stolen property, ” Hikima said.
He also said the official who cornered the items must be traced and arrested.
Reacting to the tweet, another user who identified as Jabari (@princelyx) said he had also seen bicycles owned by Nigerian police being sold in Abuja as well.
“How can the Nigerian Police have a say on this when their equipment is being traded too.”
Ruth Boaz (@r_emaikwu) also reacted to the the picture of children selling UNICEF backpacks:
“I live in Kaduna and I see these being hawked every single day. It is just funny how there is a trace of crime in everything in this country.”
Yusuf Magari (@Maigari33) chided the public analyst who made the tweet. He said this tweet may expose poor people who just want to make ends meet:
He said,”please sir, don’t make them come start arresting poor people who only bought bags for their primary school children. You know they will never lay a finger at those who are responsible for that. Also, the poor boy might not know it is illegal to sell it, pls spare the boy.”
Ikeja Bird gathered that the selling of these UNICEF materials have been going on for many years.
