By Saeed Ahmad Bappah, Gombe
Gombe State Urban Planning and Development Authority (GOSUPDA) has cleared all illegal kiosks and containers within the premises of the newly established Ibrahim Dankwambo Motor Park, Gombe.
This action follows directives from Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya to enhance security, revenue generation, and due process at the newly established park.
The Governor, through the Executive Chairman of GOSUPDA, Bappayo Samanja Maudo, stated that the government plans to accommodate all legal businesses within the premises but under a legitimate arrangement. He highlighted that only the Gombe State Transport Service (Gombe Line), Bauchi, and Dukku motor parks were designated to relocate to the new park.
“Government will invite the leadership of all business owners from both Bauchi and Dukku motor parks to apply for permits to continue operating within the park,” he clarified.
He noted that the motor park was built to optimize revenue for the state, enhance convenience, and improve the overall well-being of the people. Illegal occupations would hinder these objectives and would not be tolerated.
The two-day operation led by TPL Ibrahim Nuhu Gure and Chief Accountant Mr. Jimmy A. James successfully cleared all illegal occupants from within and around the park.
The kiosk and container owners admitted their wrongdoing in illegally occupying the premises and expressed willingness to comply with the government’s directives. They appealed for consideration during the allocation of spaces within the park, pledging to become law-abiding citizens and continue paying taxes and ground rent.
Alhaji Babayo Muhammad, treasurer of the Tashan Dukku traders association, and Alh. Ibrahim Abdullahi appealed on behalf of their people for consideration during the allocation of spaces. Similarly, the secretary of the Tashan Bauchi traders association, Babangida Muhammad, made a similar appeal.
Two of the affected persons, Bala Mohammad and Ibrahim Abdullahi, whose shop was removed, pledged loyalty to the government and expressed their willingness to follow due process in acquiring a space within the park, highlighting their reliance on the business for livelihood.