The Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike has given all the street traders, roadside mechanics, illegal private taxi operators, roadside car dealers ,one month ultimatum to vacate the streets and roads of Port Harcourt.
He made this known when addressing the affected individuals when he had a meeting with the artisans and traders at the Government House yesterday. He said that his administration is committed to restoring the garden city status of Port Harcourt and as such cannot compromise his stand and as such invited the executive of such bodies in order to talk it over with them.
According to the Governor, “We called this meeting to avoid conflict. I called you to discuss the time frame for the implementation and not to change the decision.
“Our roads are now mechanic workshops. Our roads are now markets and motor parks. There is this spirit that makes the traders and mechanics believe that you can only make money on the road. We will end that spirit.
“Your activities litter the road. There will be consequences for mechanics using the road for their trade after the one month period. The vehicles being repaired will be seized”, Wike said.
The Governor warned that the police and other security agencies have been co-opted to serve on the implementation process.
Earlier on, during his inauguration speech, Governor Wike warned saying; “Enough of the lawlessness and indiscipline on our roads by traders, motorists and developers.
“We therefore restate the ban on all forms of street trading and arbitrary creation of illegal motor parks and taxi ranks across the state.
“In the same vein, I hereby order the immediate closure, arrest and prosecution of any person, company or agency that continues to operate illegal motor parks, taxi ranks and loading points along street corners, road shoulders and other unauthorized spaces in the interest of public safety, public order and public security”.
Wike further stated that the success of it depends largely on the task force and implementation,as similar laws clashed previously as a result of the wanton behavior of the task force when they turn to extract money from the people and allow them to operate, thereby sabotaging the efforts of the Government.
By Bestman Orji
PH
