The Federal Capital Territory Administration expressed due displeasure on the illegal conversion of the Cyprian Ekwensi Centre for Arts and Culture complex in Garki, Abuja, into a drinking joint by shop owners.
The Mandate Secretary, Social Development Secretariat, FCTA, Mr Ibrahim Masari, expressed their displeasure and gave a stern warning during an emergency meeting with business operators and shop owners at the secretariat in Abuja on Wednesday.
Masari, then said that the official closing hours of businesses and shops within the complex is 7.30 p.m. due to security concerns.
He frowned at the level of unruliness that was glaringly evident within the secretariat when he paid an impromptu visit to the complex around 7.10 p.m. on October 29.
He further said that the visit was to confirm the accuracy of the information at his disposal about the heinous acts that happen in the complex at odd hours of the night.
He further narrated that to his dismay, he discovered more than 500 persons within the complex at late hours, enjoying themselves with alcoholic drinks and smoking carelessly.
He also made it clear that he was not aware of what the event or activity was all about, as there was no official communication whatsoever to that effect and after waiting patiently till about 8.30 p.m. with no signs of them exiting soon, he invited some of the private security guards on duty who accompanied him to disperse the illegal gathering.
He described the situation as highly disturbing and further reiterated that management will no longer condone a situation whereby non-staff and tenants in the secretariat will stay back after official closing hours to as late as 9 p.m.
He emphasized the fact that the civil service rule forbids the sale of alcohol or any other intoxicating substances within working premises.
The management also disclosed that the new 7.30pm closing hour would take effect on Thursday, advising members of the public to take note to avoid embarrassment from security personnel.
