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From Ogbonnaya Ndukwe, Aba
A civil society group, Centre for Human Rights Advocacy and Wholesome Society (CEHRAWS), has extolled Dr. Alex Otti, Abia State governor, for redesignating certain areas of Umuahia, the State capital, and Aba metropolis, as no go areas for commercial motorcyclists, with effect from the 14th of August, 2023.
The Governor had in a statement by his chief press secretary, Kazie Uko, reaffirmed the ban, imposed by the then administration of former Governor Theodore Orji, in 2010, citing insecurity arising from use of motorcycles in robbery and kidnapping.
Though there had been no official directive rescinding the earlier order, Okada operations gradually returned to some major streets in both cities, over the years, especially during the tenure of the immediate past administration of Dr Okezie Ikpeazu, which had a lukewarm attitude towards enforcing the ban.
While reacting to the new development In a chat with Daily Sun, Chuka Okoye Peters, the Executive Director of CEHRAWS, held that the directive was laudable and timely, coming soon after the inauguration of a special Security Joint Task Force (JTF), code-named Operation Crush by the government.
According to him, the task force, was set up to arrest the growing and worrisome security challenges threatening the peace of the State. Mr. Okoye further affirmed that the new directive underscores this government’s readiness to reposition Abia State as the first in terms of ease of doing business in Nigeria.”
He also called on security agents, especially the Nigeria Police Force, not be overzealous in carrying out the said directive, “so as not to sabotage government’s good intentions,” and expressing worry about reports his group had gathered in the past,” concerning the implementation of a similar Executive order; where some officers of the NPF, went around the rural and urban areas of the state, to impound commercial motorcycles, as well as private ones with impunity.”
He advised police authorities in the State, “to work within the ambit of the law and not compound the problems and difficulties already faced by many, especially in rural communities.”
However, the group went on to plead with the masses to quench the notion that this directive was senseless, anti-people and ill-timed.
“We want the people to realize that the policy was not meant to punish anyone or group rather it is a proactive security-oriented policy, aimed at entrenching a safer society since the last quarter of the year is by the corner; a period where the crime rate would be high, “Instead, they should constructively and officially present their concerns to the government for possible amendment of the said governor’s directive, through their associations or non-governmental organizations.”
