By Chioma Nnodim
Federal Capital Territory, FCT, over the weekend dislodged recreational parks, operators and fun seekers in Wuse and Maitama Districts for allegedly contravening the 7-pm closing time as stipulated by the officials of FCT Administration.
It was observed that FCTA enforcers comprising of Abuja Environmental Protection Board, AEPB, Directorate of Road Traffic Services, DRTS, Departments of Parks & Recreation, Development Control amongst others, accompanied by a joint team of armed policemen and other paramilitary personnel at about 8 PM stormed and ordered immediate closure and vacation of Parks caught operating at the time.
As the enforcers were ransacking the Parks and clearing the streets of cars parked along the road, night fun seekers in their hundreds were seen leaving in exotic cars, with some standing in clusters outside the premises of the parks.
Most affected were fun seekers, who had thronged the SMINOFF Hang Outs at PAPIEE’S Meatro Recreation Center, inside a hitherto Children’s Park, which was purportedly converted into a hub for restaurant and Bar as well as night club, within Lungi crescent, off Aminu Kano Crescent, Wuse II, Abuja.
Speaking during the exercise, Coordinator, Abuja Metropolitan Management Council, AMMC, Umar Shaibu, said Park operators must ensure that they respect the city regulations and rights of other members of the nation’s capital city.
He described as disheartening a situation that while Park operators are operating their business, and getting money daily, at the expense of the peace and serenity of others within the neighbourhoods.
He therefore reiterated that the FCTA enforcers are going to comb every part of this city, to make sure that residents have peace of mind at night.
According to him: “We are enforcing our Park policy, and we have regulation of closing time of 7 PM daily, which all Parks must close.
“We don’t want to trample on peoples’ rights, but you should know that your right ends when your neighbour’s right is infringed upon. So we must not be selfish. We are here to enforce our regulation of closing time of 7 PM, and to make sure that we give the neighbourhoods where Parks are situated peace to enjoy their rest every night.
“If any developer or park operator is proven to be recalcitrant, we have power to seal up and even revoke the plot.
