By Daniel Tyokua
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has reminded owners of parks and recreation centres to respect the city regulations and rights of other members of the territory.
He described as worrisome a situation where Park operators are carrying their business, and getting money daily, at the expense of the peace and serenity of others within the neighbourhoods.
Shuaibu therefore, explained that the officials enforcing the rules and regulations are going to comb every part of this city, to make sure that residents have peace of mind in the night.
He spoke during enforcement of the 7pm closing time in Maitama and Wuse areas at the weekend, for parks and gardens owners.
The enforcers which comprise officials of Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB), Directorate of Road Traffic Services (DRTS), Departments of Parks& Recreation, Development Control amongst others where accompanied by a joint team of armed policemen and other paramilitary personnel.
During the ransacking of the Parks and clearing the streets of cars parked on 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 throned 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.
“We are enforcing our Park policy, and we have regulation of closing time of 7 PM daily, which all Parks must close.
“FCT Administration don’t want to trample on peoples’ right, but you should know that your right ends when your neighbours 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”
On his part, the Director, Department of Development Control,
Murktar Galadima, warns that, “whoever is trying to convert Parks into other uses, should know that we are sanitising the city, and we are restoring the Master plan and must get it right.
“For instance, one of the parks is supposed to be a neighbourhood park that children and youth can walk in, seat and relax as well as recreate. But incidentally, this land use has been fundamentally changed from children neighbourhood park to what could be qualified as brothel (strippers club). So, this is no longer a recreational park.
“So we will follow the necessary due process and procedure to correct the abuse, which may culminate in revocation and demolition”.
