Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State has directed the demolition of shanties in Nkpogu, Port Harcourt, the state capital.
The shanties are believed to be a location where fake bottled water, carbonated drinks and alcoholic drinks are produced.
The Governor, who gave the order during his visit to the area on Sunday, said the state government will acquire the land, which according to him criminals use for their activities.
Governor Wike told journalists that he had received credible intelligence reports that some criminal networks involved in the production of fake drinks were operating there.
According to him, several persons have been afflicted with deadly diseases after innocently purchasing fake products produced by the miscreants operating from the Nkpogu shanties.
In his words “If you look at the area where we are, it is a criminal hideout and I will not waste time immediately to demolish the area. In fact, this will take place in the next two days.”
Speaking about the “unhygienic” nature of the environment, he said: “I cannot believe that people can turn the whole Port Harcourt to a cabbage city instead of a Garden City. It is unacceptable to me. Like I have always said no decision you take will be favourable to everybody. But as far as we are concerned, one will take the right decision and the right thing must be done. We are going to clear all these shanties.”
