The Abia State Government has put on hold till further notice the planned enforcement of restriction of the operations of Tricycles [keke] and Motorcycles [Okada] between the hours of 7:00pm and 6:00am billed to commence on 1st August, 2024.
In a press release signed by the State Commissioner for Information and Culture, Prince Okey Kanu, on Wednesday, the action was sequel to the security realities and mood of the nation occasioned by the impending “Hunger” and “Hardship” protest that has been scheduled to start on the same 1st August, 2024.
The release reads in part:
“The decision of the state government to push forward the date for the commencement of the enforcement of the restriction policy underscores the administration’s stance of giving a human face to governance and policy implementation. It further confirms the fact that the people at all times, are the centerpiece of all government policy actions.
“While the enumeration and registration of all commercial vehicles, tricycles and motorcycles in the transport sector in Abia state continues as scheduled, the government will announce a new date for the formal commencement of the restriction policy.
“The State government would therefore use this medium to urge all Abia citizens and residents to be circumspect as they watch events of the planned protests unfold. We advise all those people who intend to be part of the protest, if they must, to exhibit restraint as they do so. As a government, we affirm that peaceful and non- violent protests are the constitutional rights of Nigerians. But, what the state government would not condone are violent and destructive protests that are capable of wiping off the modest gains this administration has made in the past fourteen months. Ndi Abia must be vigilant to ensure that the peace and new lease of life our people currently enjoy under the able leadership of Dr Alex Otti is not frittered away.”