Urgent need to rid the premises of Former Uyo Main Market of Miscreants and Other Dangerous Human Elements using the Neglected Structures as a Hide-Away Spot to Commit Crimes like Armed Robbery, Rape and such Nefarious Activities by Juvenile Deliquescents and Subsequently, Utilize the Space for a Profitable Enterprise.

 Williams Akpabio - AKHA(Aide), Uyo.

Hon. Anietie Eka, member representating Uyo State Constituency in today's plenary under order III of the Standing Order of Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly raised motion for Urgent need to rid the premises of Former Uyo Main Market of Miscreants and Other Dangerous Human Elements using the Neglected Structures as a Hide-Away Spot to Commit Crimes like Armed Robbery, Rape and such Nefarious Activities by Juvenile Deliquescents and Subsequently, Utilize the Space for a Profitable Enterprise.

The Speaker, Rt. Hon. Aniekan Bassey refered the motion to a joint committees on Environment, Security, Youth and Sport for further legislative actions and report back in one month.

In the motion, Hon. Eka prayed the house to pass a resolution that the State Government through the Ministry of Environment and Petroleum Resources should as a matter of it's social and responsiblity work in tandem with the Nigeria Police Force, Akwa Ibom State Command to evict the miscreants occupying the former Uyo Main Market and embark on sanitation process of the entire area.

Moreso, that the Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command should ensure a round-the-clock surveillance of the former market space and surrounding area to forestall further illegal occupation and discourge criminal activities in the vicinity.

And that, the State Government through the Ministry of Special Duties should collaborate with relevant agencies in the State to evolve an alternative economic viable venture that will boost our economy with benefits to the citizenry and preserve the social value of State capital city, Uyo.

The lawmaker noted that the former Uyo Main Market, situates in the heart of Uyo metropolis and which has been abandoned for many years has become an eyesore and overgrown with 5ft tall grasses and miniature trees. 

He concerned about the fate of unsuspecting passersby who are constantly being harrassed, molested, robbed and in other cases, raped daily by street urchins. He further stressed that the street urchins disguise as hawkers and traders of fruits and other edible items around Plaza during the day and avert to their devilry status at night.

The Uyo Member worried that this act of hooliganism runs against the enviable peaceful and secured ambience currently enjoyed and desired by citizens by citizens of and visitors to, the State and that if urgent step is not taken to stem this unfolding malady among our youth, wee may soon, have a home made security crisis in our hand for "a stitch in time, saves nine".

In a bid to yield economic variables and shores up the State Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), by using the ten hectares of the former Uyo Main Market to prudent Profitable enterprise; he suggested that the State Government could utilize the unused space of land to operate a Car Park System because the only car park in the capital City which is located at plaza is grossly inadequate, for Lockup shops and related enterprise could be initiated within it's premises of the park to benefit individuals with creative ventures.

Similarly, Akwa Ibom State Anti-stigma and Discrimination of Persons Living with HIV/AIDS Law, 2020 lead sponsored by Hon. (Elder) Udeme Otong member representating Abak State Constituency pass second reading.

Meanwhile, the house adjourned it's plenary to Tuesday 6th October, 2020.