By Abdullahi Muhammad, Abuja
For allegedly contravening the 7-pm closing time for Recreational Parks as stipulated by the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Park Policy, operators and fun seekers in Wuse and Maitama districts, were forced to abruptly retire to their various homes, following a raid by officials of FCT Administration, at the weekend.
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 funkers 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.
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 in the 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’ 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.
“If any developer or park operator is proven to be recalcitrant, we have power to seal up and even revoke the plot.
“According to the regulations, whenever you are given allocation, there are laid down rules and regulations. But when you are not complying with the rules and regulations, we have the power to revoke the building approval and even the allocation”.
Similarly, Director, Department of Development Control,
Tpl 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”.