ARDI Seeks Street Trading, Motorcycle/Tricycle Ban In FCT
A Non-Governmental Organisation, Anti-Corruption and Research-Based Data Initiative (ARDI), has urged the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) to ban street trading in Abuja, the nation’s capital for obvious security reasons.
Similarly, the body is also canvassing urgent restrictions on the operations of both motorcycles (Okada) and tricycles (Keke) as means of transportation due to what it described as their capacity in aiding and abetting insecurity and criminality within the territory.
In a letter to the FCT Minister on the urgent need to restore security and sanity in FCT, ARDI said their suggestions deserved immediate attention given the territory’s special status and the growing security challenges currently facing the country.
The letter signed by its Executive Secretary, Chief Dennis Aghanya said there is a need to ban the use of motorcycles (Okada) as a means of transportation in the FCT and Satellite towns because they have completely defaced the city and also serve as a tool for promoting insecurity.
It cited the example of Kano and some other states where decency has been restored and insecurity checkmated following the ban on motorcycle as means of transportation, insisting that more than any other place, the FCT needs the implementation of such measures.
According to ARDI, street trading should also be banned because it presents the cheapest opportunity for suicide bombing, noting that though it has not been experienced before, prevention was better than cure as all measures must be put in place to ensure safety and security of lives and property in the FCT.
Strongly putting its proposal forward, ARDI said; “The FCT administration must intensify efforts to monitor who occupies uncompleted buildings in the city. It is the commonest place criminals hatch their nefarious activities.
“Efforts must also be made to keep records of all mechanic workshops in the FCT and their apprentices registered. This would help to monitor the activities of persons vulnerable to crimes. There is also much need to ban the use of unpainted and rickety vehicles, at least in the City Centre.
“These vehicles do not only constitute an eyesore in a modern city like the FCT, but also serve as a tool for criminal activities like one-chance and all such vices. We also recommend that every one of the taxis operating within the City Centre is embedded with a visible Unique Identification Number (UIN)
“Finally, may we also suggest that the use of Keke should be banned completely in the City Centre and be used to replace Okada in the satellite towns.”
Highlighting its good intentions with the suggestions, the group said; “These suggestions are without prejudice as it is our collective responsibility to ensure the protection of life and property of citizens.
“Above all, Abuja is the pride of our dear country and must be protected from security and sanitary degeneration.” – With Vanguard news report
