…MOVES TO GUARD AGAINST SECURITY INFILTRATION
TheHILL. | NEWS | May 19, 2021.
With aim of ensuring Environmental Security, the Akwa Ibom State Government on Tuesday enforced the law against street trading.
Addressing citizens and residents at the popular Ibom Plaza in Uyo, where the enforcement took place, the Chairman, Akwa Ibom State Environmental Protection and Waste Management Agency, Hon. Prince Ikim, stated that street trading constitutes a threat to the security of lives and property.
Ikim explained that the enforcement became necessary to guide against security infiltration caused by unidentified persons parading as traders with the aim of truncating the peace enjoyed in the State.
The AKSEPWMA Boss, noted that the Agency had previously issued twenty-four (24) days, twenty-one (21) days, fourteen (14) days and seven (7) days ultimatum respectively on street trading and therefore maintained it was time to enforce the law.
Enumerating other negative impacts of street trading to include clogged drainages, traffic congestion, auto-accident, defacing of urban aesthetics, among others, Ikim noted that the Udom Emmanuel led administration will continue to pursue courses that will be to the overall benefits of the State.
Briefing news men after the exercise, Hon. Ikim cited the Agency’s Law, Cap 47, 2000, Part 2, Section 6, Sub 0 which states; “Apprehend any person selling or hawking goods or other articles of trade in unauthorized places under any bylaw. (h) Being an itinerant seller or hawker litters the street, roads, Lanes, highways or any place with his article of trade is guilty of an offense and to a conviction to a fine or two weeks imprisonment.”
The Chairman revealed that before the enforcement was done, that he had interfaced with the management of Ibom plaza where he pleaded that the cost of getting a space inside the plaza should be reduced to enable all traders to move inside.
Recall that last weekend, while on a radio interview, Ikim had raised concerns about the activities of street trading in the following areas, Itam market, Ndiya street, Dakadda Secretariat, Oron road by plaza, barracks road, airport road, dakkada Secretariat, Nwaniba road, Ikpa road, Ibom Plaza, Edet Akpan Avenue (four lane), Uniuyo by Eka Street, Ikpa road by Uniuyo, Sacred Heart Catholic Church by Aka road, Ikot Ekpene road by Ibom Plaza, Etuk Street by Aka Road, Itam among others, all in Uyo metropolis.
