by Christiana Gokyo, Jos
JOS: At the early hours of Tuesday morning in the city of Jos, some young boys were seeing carrying placards to demonstrate their dissatisfaction over government’s Executive Order No.003 2024 provided by the state that prohibited “indiscriminate traders” doing business on sites not designated for such activities.
The Executive Order says “persons found in default shall have their items confiscated and donated to the Internally Displaced Persons’ Camp or Correction Centers.”
But, some of the traders have refused to comply with the Order, and are busy selling and displaying their items by the roadside within the Jos Township.
Middle-Belt News Networks reports that the General Manager of Jos Metropolitan Development Board (JMDB), Arch. Hart Bankat, was at the Jos Township with heavy security men clearing the streets and packing items (that were displayed on the streets) to their office.
Speaking to our correspondent, the General Manager said, “We are implementing the Executive Order; we have given notice, we have given them announcement, we have come here we have begged them to pack their things but they have insisted to the point that they even jilted the whole space to keep around to have this illegal trading.
“So, since they don’t want, we are taking these things to IDP camps and prison. We have advised them already, we have told them – the Order is here to stay and there is nothing that can change it,” he stated.
The GM buttressed that, “We have advised people that there are markets that have been opened-up and spaces provided for people to trade, but not to be trading on the road illegal spaces; we would not tolerate that.”
Recall that, the JMDB General Manager earlier had briefed newsmen in Jos before the implementation of the Executive Order prohibited indiscriminate parking of trucks, heavy-vehicles within Jos metropolis, while posters on public infrastructure are prohibited forthwith, and violators shall be liable to pay the sum of N500.000.00 only.
The Executive Order is aimed to regulate the construction of buildings and the flow of vehicular traffic in the state. Under this order, all new building projects must obtain the necessary permits and comply with building codes and regulations.
The Executive Order also says, “unauthorized constructions will be demolished, in accordance with the law; the aims is also to streamline vehicular traffic by implementing traffic management measures such as designated parking spaces, traffic lights, and road signage.”
It also stated that, “Violators of traffic rules will face strict penalties, including fines and vehicles impoundment. By enforcing this Executive Order, we can improve the quality of life for residents of the State and create a safe and organized urban environment.”
Our correspondent recalled that, during the briefing, Arch. Hart Bankat urged all residents to cooperate with the authorities and adhere to the provisions of the Executive Order No.003 2024, stressing that, “stray animals within the metropolis are hereby prohibited, and such stray animals, if found, shall be forfeited to the Government or the owners shall be liable to pay a fine of N250,000.00 only.”