Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, has issued an ultimatum of one month to roadside mechanics, car dealers, street traders, and private taxi park operators to vacate the streets of Port Harcourt.
He gave the order at a meeting with some artisans and traders on Friday at the Government House in the state capital.
The governor explained that it was important for them to comply with the stipulated period because his administration was committed to restoring Port Harcourt to the garden city status.
“I am giving all groups one month to leave the roads, he said, adding “Within this one month, you should find alternative locations to carry out your businesses.
“By the first week of July, the state government will swing into action. Port Harcourt must be clean, whether you like it or not.”
Governor Wike noted that he convened the meeting to avoid unnecessary conflict and to negotiate the time for all the traders, mechanics and car dealers to leave the roads.
He said, “Our roads are now mechanic workshops, our roads are now markets and motor parks. There is this spirit that makes the traders and mechanics believe that you can only make money on the road; we will end that spirit.
“Your activities litter the roads. There will be consequences for mechanics using the road for their trade after the one month period. The vehicles being repaired will be seized.”
The governor warned that the state government would not allow the operation of illegal motor parks and car shops along the roads.
He said that police and other security agencies have been co-opted to serve on the implementation process.
In his remarks, the Commissioner of Police in Rivers, Usman Belel, gave assurance that the command would work with the State government to ensure that the artisans leave the roads.
However, representatives of artisans and traders requested different timeframes to vacate the roads.