Urban Distortion: RSG Assures On Offenders’ Prosecution

Despite machinery put in
place by the present Rivers State Government to streamline trading  and transportation activities in Port Harcourt in particular and elsewhere, such business operations have been defied in that direction.
In an exclusive interview with The Tide in his office last week, over the unwholesome development, the state Commissioner for Urban Development and Physical Planning, Hon Chinyere Igwe said punitive measure could be taken against defaulters.
According to Igwe, the present government believes in the rule of law, therefore prosecution of offenders would follow due process.
“This government is a government that believes in the rule of law because it believes that every facet of the law should be followed”, he said.
He disclosed that under the Rivers State Physical Planning Development law of 2003 it prescribes that offenders should be arrested and prosecuted.
He expressed regret that people do not want to obey the law due to government’s magnanimity in giving them space to get in line.
On the possibility of cabals out to defy government order he said, he was not aware of such development.
However, he disclosed that there has been various interactive sessions with business operators.
“I do not know of such cabals but we have interactive sessions and advocacay visits to most of them in the markets and parks”, he said.
The commissioner explained that through such interactions the government intends to speak to their conscience, adding that failure for them to continue in illegality would be viewed otherwise.
On complaints by hawkers for non-availability of space to do their business, the commissioner explained  that already the state governor has flagged off the building of the second phase of the Mile One Market  under a Public, Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement.
He explained that the contractor has asked for a space near the Mile One Police Station included in the plan.
On Oil Mill Market, he said people from neigbouring states were allowed to come and do business so long  as they operate within the ambit of the laws of Rivers State.
“We are one country whether you live in Aba or Sokoto and any part of Nigeria; we will not stop people from trading and movement in and out of Rivers State.
“The one we will not tolerate is were in course of enjoying your right, you desecrate our environment”, he said.
On challenges, he said ignorance of the people on illegal trading and other activities on the right  of way of the public.
He added that he intends to live the mark that “I want to be the man who Governor Wike used to change the mindset of the people in physical development sector of the state.