By Josephine Oguntoyinbo
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The Ondo State government has received the cooperation and assurance of full compliance of auto dealers in Akure by abiding by all Physical Planning rules in the state with a view to promoting a planned society devoid of lawlessness and rot.
This was made known at a meeting of auto dealers held at the Ultra Modern Auto Mart, Akure- Ilesha express way, having in attendance officials from the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development led by the State Commissioner, Prince Solagbade Amodeni.
The Commissioner, while analyzing the slogan of the association “Up motor dealers, keep the nation moving”, said in order to keep the city moving, all dealers operating at unapproved locations within the state capital must relocate to the auto mart.
Amodeni clarified that only dealers with approved auto garage will be allowed in town.
He stated that the auto mart which is the first in the South-West, was borne out of the desire to stop the littering of the state with unapproved motor spaces and bringing an improvement into the auto business.
Amodeni maintained that it is not ideal and lawful to display vehicles for sale by the roadside, filling stations, mechanic workshops and other unapproved places as this is not the practice where these cars are imported from.
The Commissioner who described the auto dealers as men of high reputation and integrity, appealed to them not to wait till when the ultimatum will lapse on September 18th, as the ministry will not hesitate to move into action by confiscating all vehicles at unapproved locations and prosecuting all erring auto dealers.
Making clarifications, he said this move should not be seen as a witch-hunt or an instigation from any quarter and assured the auto dealers that there will be no political interference while dealing with erring developers as nobody is above the law.
The Chairman of the association, Mr Ayo Owoyemi who said the move is a welcome development as there is enough space for all in the auto mart, equally pleaded with his members to live by the rules, as to be forewarned is to be forearmed.
Chief Gabriel Onipede,who is the Patron of the association extolled the uprightness and commitment of the present administration for the meeting.
He appreciated the government for not forcing the people to dance to its tune but rather patiently sensitizing the people before hand ahead of its policies and actions.
