Minister sets up special task force to clear Abuja traffic – TheNigerialawyer

In bid to tackle the traffic jam along Abuja-Keffi highway and
other major roads in Abuja, the Minister of FCT, Mohammed Bello has
set up a committee to evacuate the road sellers along road
corridors to ensure free flow of traffic in the areas.

According to the chairman of the team on Traffic Management,
Ikharo Attah, the Minister ordered that the committee must ensure
that Abuja residents, beginning Thursday evening experience free
flow of traffic.

“The Minister of FCT, Mallam Mohammed Bello, today gave a
marching order that the traffic along Abuja-Keffi road, precisely
along Nyanya and Karu interchange, be immediately tackled,” Attah
said.

“The Minister doesn’t want to see any traffic along that road
spanning about one and half kilometers from Kugbo cleveite through
Karu bridge, down to Nyanya bridge.

“We will ensure that those selling along the road corridors and
commercial taxi drivers carrying passengers as well as those plying
trade that contravenes the traffic rules and laws of the city are
not allowed to operate within the framework of that disturbing
area,” he said.

While lamenting the plight of residents who spend an average of
hours commuting on road, Attah said the team comprising of Police,
Road Safety officials, VIO and officials of Abuja Environmental
Protection Board (AEPB), has already swung into action.

He expressed optimism that within the next few days traffic
along major roads will wear a different look.

Speaking further, Attah said the committee is expected to submit
a comprehensive report on the exercise to the Minister within 7
days.

On his part, the FCT Commissioner of Police, Bala Ciroma, warned
that offenders will be tried.

“There should be no reason for the traffic. People are
abjugating their responsibilities. We will go there, look at it and
share tasks. FRSC is a critical partner because we can use them to
try offenders instantly.”

He also urged the FCT Administration to ensure that the potholes
along the road are fixed.

As at press time, it was gathered that the traffic congestion,
which is seen as a normal occurrence on the Abuja-Keffi highway,
was already free due to the intervention of the committee.

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President Buhari Appoints Yemi-Esan Acting Head of
Service

President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the appointment of Dr.
Mrs. Folashade Yemi-Esan as the Acting Head of the Civil Service of
the Federation with immediate effect.

Dr. Mrs. Yemi-Esan, who is the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of
Petroleum Resources takes over from Mrs. Winifred Ekanem Oyo-Ita,
who has been directed to proceed on an indefinite leave to allow
conclusion of the investigation being carried out by the Economic
and Financial Crimes Commission.

The President has also approved the extension of the tenure of
seven (7) retiring Permanent Secretaries for a period of one
calendar year with effect from 1st October, 2019 to ensure
stability in the Federal Civil Service and effective delivery on
the nine priority areas of the administration as well as the
mandates given to the new Ministers.

The affected Permanent Secretaries are:

i. Mrs. Georgina Ehuriah – Ministry of Interior
ii. Mrs. Ifeoma I. Anagbogu – Federal Ministry of Women Affairs
iii. Mrs. Grace Gekpe – Federal Ministry of Information &
Culture
iv. Dr. Umar M. Bello – Federal Ministry of Agriculture &
Rural
Development
v. Suleiman Mustapha Lawal – Ministry of Foreign Affairs
vi. Mrs. Comfort C. Ekaro – Federal Ministry of Water Resources
vii. Mr. Olusegun A. Adekunle – General Services Office (Office of
the
Secretary to the Government of the Federation)

Similarly, Mr. President has directed the Office of the Head of
the Civil Service of the Federation to commence the process for the
selection of new Permanent Secretaries to replace all retiring
Permanent Secretaries.

The decision of Government to extend the tenure of these
Permanent Secretaries is premised on the need to ensure that the
new Ministers are properly guided, briefed about their sectors and
to ensure that a solid foundation is laid for the delivery on the
Presidential Mandate which they jointly signed.

The Permanent Secretaries will also help the Ministers to manage
the process for the preparation of the 2020 Budget in line with the
commitment of Government to return to the January-December budget
circle and help develop various policies and programmes aimed at
lifting 100million Nigerians out of poverty in the next 10
years.

The action of Mr. President is in exercise of the powers
conferred under Section 171 (2) d of the 1999 Constitution of the
Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).

Willie Bassey
Director Information
Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation