The Abia State Government has commenced the enforcement of restrictions on the operations of commercial motorcycle operators in designated areas of Umuahia, Aba and Ohafia, as part of measures aimed at strengthening public safety and security across the state.
The state government has also introduced a toll-free public complaint system to enable residents report cases of misconduct, extortion, abuse and other infractions allegedly committed by security agencies and task force personnel involved in the enforcement exercise.
The Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, disclosed this on Monday while briefing journalists at the Government House, Umuahia, on the outcome of this week’s State Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Alex Otti.
Prince Kanu recalled that the enforcement, initially scheduled to commence on June 22, was deferred by one week, describing the decision as “a rare display of compassion by the people-oriented government of Dr Alex Otti”.
According to him, the extension was granted to provide operators and members of the public sufficient time to comply with the new regulatory requirements.
“The state government recognises that thousands of hardworking citizens depend on motorcycle transportation for their livelihood and movement and fully appreciates the concerns raised by affected operators and members of the public.
“It was in demonstration of this understanding that the government sanctioned the postponement of the commencement date to enable affected persons comply with the new regulatory requirements and make necessary adjustments”, he said.
Prince Kanu stated that the penalty for violating the restrictions remains ₦20,000, in line with the government’s earlier advisory.
The commissioner explained that impounded motorcycles would only be released after owners had fulfilled all statutory requirements relating to registration, documentation and verification.
He further clarified that privately owned motorcycles would continue to enjoy unrestricted movement provided they are properly registered and documented, but would not be permitted to carry passengers.
Prince Kanu added that commercial motorcycle operators must operate strictly within approved jurisdictions and wear officially approved state government identification vests while on duty.
According to him, all motorcycles, tricycles and commercial vehicles operating in the state must also be duly registered and documented in accordance with extant regulations.
The Commissioner who appealed for public cooperation, urged residents, transport operators and community leaders to support the initiative, stressing that the protection of lives remained paramount.
“No economic or political consideration can outweigh the value of human life. We will continue to ensure that Abians and residents can live, work and move about freely in a secure environment”, he said.
On infrastructure development, the commissioner said that the Ministry of Works had intensified road construction and maintenance activities across the state.
Prince Kanu disclosed that between June 16 and June 29, direct labour interventions were undertaken at 14 locations, with five projects completed and one additional project introduced into the ministry’s maintenance portfolio.
The Commissioner listed completed projects to include; the 1.19-kilometre Obikabia–Umueleke Road, Phase One, in Isiala Ngwa North Local Government Area; the 550-metre Uzoma–Ohokobe–Afara–Ohokobe Road to Polycon Junction off Aba Road; Chief Nkoro Street to Udeagbala Road in Aba; rainy-season maintenance works on Ujari Road in Arochukwu; and desilting operations along Faulks Road in Aba.
Prince Kanu also announced the commencement of the Green Avenue Square project in Aba under the direct labour scheme, adding that 24 road projects are presently under contract across the state, with contractors recording substantial progress.
Contributing, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security Matters, retired Navy Commander MacDonald Ubah, described the recent abduction of two children in Umuosu Nsulu as a case of child trafficking and assured residents that concerted efforts were underway to secure their release.
“We know it happened after school on Friday. That event is a cause for concern for us as parents. Five pupils boarded a tricycle, and three of them were sent to buy fuel while the remaining two were abducted.
“That is a typical case of child trafficking. The state government is aware, and we have set the ball rolling to ensure that we recover them. We acted on information that led us to Ngo-Okpala in Imo State, but it turned out to be false.
“The Commissioner of Police has contacted his counterparts in neighbouring states”, he clarified
The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Prince Uzor Nwachukwu, was present at the briefing.
