By Kenneth Onuora
The Ebonyi State Government has announced the banning of high capacity motorbikes as means of public transportation (okada services), especially the Carter branded types.
The Commissioner for Internal Security, Border, Peace and Conflict Resolution, Stanley Emegha, made the disclosure in Abakaliki, the state capital, during a joint media briefing with the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Barrister Uchenna Orji and the Senior Special Adviser to the Ebonyi state Governor, Dave Umahi, on Religious and Welfare Matters, Reverend Father Abraham Nwali.
Emegha said that the operation of tricycles popularly known as “Keke Napep” would still be allowed in the state till 12 midnight.
He said that the measures were geared towards enhancing security in the state.
“From today, any Carter Motorcycle above 100 Engine capacity can never be allowed to operate anywhere in the State. And also, Ebonyi state law stipulates that motorcycle operation ends by 7pm.
“Government will do everything necessary to encourage the security agencies to ensure better professionalism in policing the state and also encourage the state neighbourhood watch to go all out in tackling the menace of hoodlums,” he said.
The Commissioner warned that government would no longer condone persons who hide under the excuse of rendering “essential duty” to move around in the night.
Commissioner Emegha pointed out that government has identified 41 flash points in the state and has asked the military to man such areas.
On his own part, Rev. Father Nwali stated that the Christian Association of Nigeria(CAN) committee set up by the state government has recommnded a halt in government’s initial plans of demolishing buildings identified as having failed “Integrity Tests” along Water-Works Road, and Hozana streets in the state capital.
He disclosed that the State Executive Council has approved that the owners of such properties should rather remodel them in line with government guidelines.
Nwali also said that the state government has concluded arrangements to appreciate and reward students who performed excellently in the recently held 2020 West African Senior School Certificate exams, especially those that got eight ‘A’s and above.
Earlier in his speech, the Information and Orientation Commissioner, Orji emphasised that the government has started taking stock of Police stations vandalised or burnt when hoodlums hijacked the EndSARS protest in the State.
“Government will liaise with necessary agencies to ensure that the needful is done, as it is the responsibility of government to ensure the protection of lives and property,” he said.
Barrister Orji urged those affected by Police brutality in any form to present petitions to the State Judicial Panel of Inquiry on Po!ice brutality, assuring that their grievances would be adequately addressed.