A civil society group, Centre for Human Rights Advocacy and Wholesome Society (CEHRAWS), has extolled Dr. Alex Otti, the new Abia State governor for his proscription of commercial motorcycles within Umuahia, the State capital, and Aba Metropolis with effect from the 14th of August 2023.
The governor stated this through a press statement signed by his press secretary, Mr. Kazie Uko.
In a chart with some journalist, Mr. Chuka Okoye Peters, the Executive Director of CEHRAWS held that the directive is laudable and timely coming at heels of the inauguration of a special Security Joint Task Force (JTF), code-named “Operation Crush”.
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 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 the security agents, especially the Nigeria Police Force to be minded and not be overzealous in Carrying out the said directive so as not to sabotage governments good intentions.
CEHRAWS Executive Director, Okoye Chuka Peter, complained about reports they gathered in the past concerning the implementation of 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 to work with in 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 is senseless, anti-people, and ill-timed because it’s a proactive security-oriented policy aimed at entrenching a safer society since the last quarter of the year is by the corner (a period susceptible to high crime rate).
“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,” Okoye said. Read more.
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