The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has increased surveillance at recreational parks in Abuja to ensure compliance with COVID-19 protocols as the Muslim Ummah continues to celebrate EId-el-Kabir, claiming that the action was justified as a precaution to prevent the spread of the third wave.
The administration would not relax its grip on the ravaging virus, according to Comrade Ikharo Attah, the Head of Media and Publicity for the FCT Ministerial Committee on COVID-19 Enforcement, who observed compliance yesterday at the Abuja Millennium Park.
While residents, particularly Muslims who are celebrating the holiday, have the right to do so, the administration has the responsibility to ensure a healthy atmosphere, according to Attah.
He said there was some compliance with the COVID-19 guidelines in the city center, he noted it was significantly less so in the satellite towns and most of the interior.
According to him , ” From what we saw yesterday at the Mosque during the prayers, there was compliance, particularly at the main city Mosque, we saw few washing points and people using hand sanitisers, in the suburb it may not be the same. In terms of the recreational parks, we have to commend the operators. Although people are hanging around in their large numbers.
” The Unity Fountain is locked, Millennium and Jabi parks are also locked . FCT Commissioner of Police has also helped by ordering Divisional Police Officers to ensure that no parks are opened in their areas.
” FCT Minister, Malam Muhammad Bello has appealed to residents to help in the fight against COVID-19, especially the dreaded 3rd wave. The Minister is ready to open up completely, once we are able to overcome the virus”, Attah said.
However, findings in Abuja on Wednesday, show that the measures taken by locking up recreational parks appeared to be counter-productive.
Even as pleasure seekers accuse the government of breaking World Health Organization (WHO) rules that allow large-scale events to be held in an open air setting.
The disgruntled locals also accused the administration of discriminating against them.
They claimed that there is no justification for marketplaces, mosques, churches, and other public areas to operate without limitations while recreational centers, which host mostly open-air events, remain closed.
The angry fun seekers who defiantly besieged the Millennium and Jabi parks with their family members, have also taken over all available spaces, including major roads, where they parked their cars and spread their mats for recreational purposes.
A resident, Erin Inyang who said he is a real Estate developer, and came to the Millennium Park with the hope to catch some interested homes off-takers, said government has once again displayed double standards, by shutting down recreational centres.
Inyang said the same government that was restricting those celebrating Sallah from accessing recreational parks, have allowed markets and even worship places to operate unhindered.
