Abia Chieftaincy Commissioner Announces Nighttime Ban on Tricycle Operators, Raising Questions About Proper Channels for Such Announcements | #NwokeukwuMascot

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ABSG Imposes Restriction on Tricycle Operation Hours; Announcement by Chieftancy Commissioner Sparks Controversy | #NwokeukwuMascot

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In a move aimed at enhancing public safety, the Abia State Government has announced the restriction of tricycles and motorcycles operations between 7 pm and 6 am daily in the cities of Aba and Umuahia, starting July 1, 2024.

This announcement was made by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Prince Uzor Nwachukwu, during a press conference held at his office following a meeting with stakeholders in the state’s transport sector.

Prince Nwachukwu stated that the restriction is essential to secure the lives and property of law-abiding citizens and residents. He highlighted that recent reports of pickpocketing and robbery in the state have often involved tricycles, commonly known as "keke." According to him, most of these criminal activities occur during the late evening, night, and early morning hours.

"A lot of issues have been reported about criminal activities. By the reports that are available to security agencies, most of these robberies, most of these attacks are happening in the evening hours, late night hours, and very early morning hours in the cities. The state government has decided to curb the operations of the criminals who use this means of transport to perpetrate criminal activities," stated Prince Nwachukwu.

To ensure compliance, a committee led by Navy Commander MacDonald Ubah (Rtd), the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, has been established. This committee will oversee the compulsory registration of all tricycles, motorcycles, and commercial vehicles. The aim is to identify the real owners and operators for security purposes.

"The state government also believes that it has to know exactly who is operating within our environment. By that reason, all commercial vehicles, Okada, tricycles called Keke, minibuses, full buses, whatever anybody is using to run as a commercial vehicle will now be enumerated and registered so that in instances of criminal activities, the government would know whose vehicle is responsible," explained Prince Nwachukwu.

The decision has received support from the leaders of the tricycle and motorcycle unions. Mr. Azubuike Victor, Chairman of the Tricycles Union, Aba Zone, Godson Chinwotito, Chairman of the Tricycle Union, Umuahia Zone, and Ugbaja Chiemela, Chairman of the Motorcycles Union, expressed their endorsement of the government's decision and assured compliance from their members. They commended the government for involving them in the policy-making process.

However, the announcement has sparked some controversy due to the fact that it was not made by the Commissioner for Transportation or the Commissioner for Information and Culture, Prince Okey Kanu, who was present at the press conference. This has led to confusion and questions about the appropriate channels for such significant public safety announcements.

Prince Nwachukwu assured the public that the policy would be implemented with a human face and that there would be no victimization of innocent individuals. He also mentioned that the government might review the restriction as necessary and that security agents have been alerted about the new regulations.