Corn sellers are responsible for Insecurity in Abuja—FCT Minister, Wike

• Wike emphasizes the need for commitment to correct actions, urging the restoration of light and cleanliness in Abuja
• He emphasizes that proper sanitation is crucial, expressing that those responsible for sanitation can be called upon at any time
• Wike highlights the importance of curbing motor parks and addresses issues in development control
  

  ---

Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has issued a prohibition on street trading within Abuja. Wike attributes the ban to his belief that individuals who engage in activities like selling corn and street hawking contribute to the insecurity and criminal occurrences in the nation’s capital.

Wike, who formerly served as the governor of Rivers State, unveiled this directive on Tuesday while sternly addressing the leadership teams of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) and Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA).

He urged them to be committed to doing the “right things”.

“The important thing we must do is to ensure that Abuja is back to what it ought to be. I moved around Abuja and found out there is total darkness in most of the places.

“What we need to do is to ensure light comes back as soon as possible.”

He said Abuja should be kept clean, adding, “If you are in charge of sanitation, will call you at any time of the day.

“We shouldn’t allow motor parks all over the place. Something must be done as soon as possible. If you cannot meet up my standard, say it now so that we can change you.”

Wike noted that even though times are hard, that should not be an excuse for lawlessness in the capital city.

He said, “Street trading is prohibited. People selling corn will drop their waste indiscriminately and these are the things that cause insecurity,l. Criminals come to buy and use the opportunity to spy and give information to criminals. It is imperative we clear street hawkers.

“Development control is a serious crisis area, we have to stop. Why are there illegal structures and shanties everywhere? We will demolish any illegal structures. No matter how highly placed, the structure will come down.”