The Authority of the Nigerian Federal Capital Territory Administration, FCTA has sealed off a Popular Pub and Event Centre, Zodara Bar, at Wuse II in Abuja metropolis.
Addressing Journalists after the exercise, the Coordinator of AMMC, Shuaibu Umar, explained that the operation became necessary, following a court order which indicate a change of land use and illegal activities constituting nuisance that disturbs public peace.
Umar said; “the property that is in use now is constituting general environmental nuisance to the whole of the neighborhood. The whole area is disturbed by the activities going on in this building.
“As you can see it is a multi departmental operation headed by the Abuja Metropolitan Management Council (AMMC). All departments are involved namely, Park and Recreations, Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB), Department of Development Control, Enforcement Team from the office of the FCT Minister.
He said; ” We received complains from on the activities happening here and we followed all necessary processes. We went to court and obtained a seal off order. Whatever we are doing here is enforcing what the court has directed.”
Umar emphasised the need for the owners of property to always ensure compliance with the land use of the area, stressing that they must comply with the environment and all necessary guidelines governing operation either as residential, commercial or recreational in the FCT.
He said; ” We gave notices to the occupant of this property yet they proved to be very recalcitrant.
” And we have taken the necessary steps in order to sure that we rid this neighbourhood of any nuisance emanating from this place.”
The Director of Abuja Environmental Protection Board, AEPB, Osi Braimah said that the FCT was a creation of laws, and all activities in the city are guided by law.
” If you are going to build a property you must get approval from the Department of Development Control, if you want to change your land-use you must equally get an approval.
” Also the noise level in the FCT is controlled. So clubs, gardens, and all that must comply with the noise requirements.
” This is why we are forced to close this property because people living around this area can no longer sleep or rest because of the activities going in this building,” he said.
The Director, Department of Development Control, Malam Muktar Galadima, said all structures in the FCT were guided by the Abuja Master Plan.
He said; ” This plot in question was designed and approved for residential purpose but they have converted the land use to become a nuisance to the environment.”
Also speaking, the Senior Special Assistant to the FCT Minister on Monitoring, Inspection, and Evaluation, Mr. Ikharo Attah, said that the Minister insisted that all the illegality happening around the area must stop.
Mercy Chukwudiebere
