Gov. Ben Ayade of Cross River on Thursday announced his administration’s plans to legalize street hawking. Ayade told a news conference in Calabar that he had sent a `Hawkers’ Rights Protection Bill’ to the state assembly.
The governor said that the development was part of his government’s commitment to make life more meaningful for theresidents. “The Hawkers’ Rights Protection Bill is to provide a legal framework for hawking to thrive in the state.
“It is my belief that people have the right to live and earn a living. If a man refuses to be a beggar and decides to hawk to survive, he should be given the protection.
“You need to encourage such individuals the more,’’ he said.
The governor said that the bill would be the first of its kind by any state in the country.
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He said that after one year in office, his administration was beginning to effect the needed change in the state’s economic landscape.
Ayade said that investors had started trooping into the state, and called on the media to assist in projecting its good image.
“Negative press is a disservice to the state and the nation at large; it destroys investors’ confidence and dampens their morale.
“So please help to project the good image of this state, especially now that investors have started coming and they are willing to invest in our state,’’ he said.
The governor called on the people of Cross River, irrespective of political leanings, to join him in building the state for the betterment of all.
“Politics ends the moment elections are over; we should join hands and work for the interest of our people,’’ Ayade said.
NAN
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