Wike goes tough on street traders, mechanics, others.

Barely 48 hours after declaring a state of emergency on environmental sanitation in Port Harcourt, Nyesom Wike, the Governor of Rivers State, on Friday, issued a one-month ultimatum to oadside mechanics, roadside car dealers, street traders and private taxi park operators, to vacate the streets of Port Harcourt .

While addressing roadside mechanics, roadside car dealers, street traders and private taxi park operators at the Government House Port Harcourt during a stakeholders meeting, Wike said that the artisans and traders must comply with the stipulated period, because his administration is committed to the restoration of the Garden City status of Port Harcourt.

Wike said: “I am giving all groups one month to leave the roads. 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 said that he called the meeting to avoid unnecessary conflict and to negotiate the time for all the traders , mechanics and car dealers to leave the roads.

“We have called this meeting to avoid conflict. I called you to discuss the time frame for the implementation and not to change the decision.

“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 road. There will be consequences for mechanics using the road for their trade after the one month period. The vehicles being repaired will be seized “, he said.