By Olawumi Oyehan
Worried by increase in car racing in Abuja streets and the risks it posed, the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), vowed to commencing clamping down on illegal car racing within residential neighborhoods.
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, stated this while fielding questions from media when he inspected some ongoing projects.
He warned that such activities pose a significant threat to public safety and the lives of innocent citizens.
He added that it is unacceptable that motorists and thrill-seekers now convert residential streets into racing tracks.
The Minister emphasized that civic rights have boundaries when public safety is compromised.
According to Wike, “First of all, they are trying to show how beautiful the roads are, but then they forget there are aspects of it that it also pose some danger to innocent citizens.
” I would like to I have to let you know that no formal complaint has been made, but now that we have heard it from you, I will check the traffic section and then let them understand that we will not allow that.
”If they are going to carry out car racing, we have designated areas where they should do that, but not where we have residences of people. Nobody would allow that, but I appeal to them to understand that their rights have limitations, and life is more important”.
Wike therefore assured Abuja residents, “So, be assured that we’ll do everything possible to see that we don’t allow car racing within the residential areas. But if it’s on the highway, well, that we will not stop” .
On inspection, Wike, reiterated the commitment of the FCT Administration to complete and deliver between 8 to 10 major road infrastructure projects before January, assuring residents that the administration will not relent on its promises
Wike expressed satisfaction with the pace of work on the long-troubled Apo–Karshi corridor and the Bwari–Kubwa road link.
”My happiness today is that going to Apo-Karshi, which has been a very major concern… they are already putting up the streetlights. That is very, very commendable,” the Minister said, praising the contractor and thanking local communities for their continued cooperation”, he said.
Wike also appreciated members of the media for their extensive coverage during recent project flag-offs and commissionings across Abuja.