The Anambra state government has described as untrue allegations by the news vendors within the Awka Capital Territory regarding the enforcement of regulations related to street vending.
In a release signed by the Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Christian Aburime noted that while the state government understands the vital role the media plays in a healthy democracy and appreciates the contributions of news vendors, it cannot allow any act of violations of public order on the pretext of street vending.
He maintained that the Awka Capital Territory, like any other capital city, has its Master Plan for proper development and it is the government’s primary responsibility to ensure public safety and order for all residents and visitors within the city.
According to him, unregulated street vending, particularly on major roads, has become a public nuisance whereby vendors occupying roadways not only deface the environment but also impede the free flow of traffic, causing delays and frustration for commuters.
Mr. Aburime said that, the Awka Capital Territory Development Authority (ACTDA) has undertaken the efforts to address the problem by restricting the activities of news vendors to designated areas, yet the news vendors kept disregarding the regulations and plying their trade on roadways, selling not only newspapers but also dealing in Point-of-Sale business, snacks and soft drinks.
The Chief Press Secretary regretted that when they were raided to keep their wares off the roads, they resorted to blackmail, insinuating that the raids were targeting newspapers that are critical of Governor Chukwuma Soludo and his policies.
Mr Aburime stressed that it is important to clarify that ACTDA regulations are not targeted at suppressing media freedom or unfairly impacting vendors’ livelihoods, rather, they aimed at ensuring public safety and the continuation of legitimate economic activity in the right manner.
He further made it clear that the Anambra State Government remains committed to open dialogue and constructive engagement with all stakeholders, including news vendors, for a better Anambra State that will benefit all stakeholders.
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