By PAMELA EBOH, Awka

Anambra State Government has described the recent uproar by newspaper vendors in the state concerning the damage of their goods by agents of Awka Capital Territory Development Authority (ACTDA) as needless saying that their accusations are untrue.

This was stated in a statement issued on Saturday by Christian Aburime, Press Secretary to Governor Chukwuma Soludo.

The statement reads: "The truth is, while the state government understands the vital role the media plays in a healthy democracy, it also appreciates the contributions of news vendors, but government cannot allow any act of violations of public order on the pretext of street vending.

"The Awka Capital Territory like any other capital city has it's Master Plan for proper development and it is the government's primary responsibility to ensure public safety and order for all residents within the city.

"Unfortunately unregulated street vending particularly on major roads has become a public nuisance whereby vendors occupying roadways not only deface the environment, they also impede the free flow of traffic, causing delays and frustration for commuters.

”Therefore, ACTDA has undertaken efforts to address the problem by restricting the activities of news vendors to designated area. Yet the news vendors kept disregarding the regulations and plying their trade on roadways, selling not only newspapers but also dealing in POS business, snacks and soft drinks.

"And when they are raided to keep their wares off the roads, they resorted to blackmail, insinuating the raids were targeting newspapers that are critical of Governor Charles Soludo and his policies.

"This is not true. It is important to clarify that the ACTDA regulations are not targeted at suppressing media freedom unfairly impacting vendors' livelihoods. Rather, they aim to ensure public safety and continuation of legitimate economic activity in the manner.

"In all, the Anambra State Government remains committed to open dialogue and constructive engagement with all stakeholders, including news vendors. This therefore makes it imperative for all to work together for a better Anambra State that will benefit all stakeholders."

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