INSECURITY: A’IBOM GOVT. OUTLAWS COMMERCIAL MOTORCYCLISTS IN EKET METROPOLIS
……….Akwa Ibom State government has clamped down on operation of commercial motorcycles in Eket metropolis of the state.
The ban, which takes immediate effect, is sequel to cases of rape and other heinous crimes traceable to the motorcyclists.
The State Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel , handed down the order
while addressing guests at the fourth anniversary of his wife’s Pet project Family Empowerment and Youth Reorientation Programme (FEYReP), held at Ibom Hall, Uyo.
Pronouncing the ban, Governor Emmanuel said that hoodlums have been found to disguise as motorcyclists to aid and abate criminality by swooping on unsuspecting members of the public particularly young ladies whom they murder, kidnap, rape and disposes of their valuables.
His words: “You can imagine this morning, waking up to hear that motorcyclists are protesting along stadium road, what kind of protest are they doing? These are people that carry people to kidnap. I’m banning motorcycle operations from today in Eket becuase the bulk of the crimes are traced to those people, so what are they protesting? Sometimes you think they are doing the right thing when actually its the wrong thing they do.
“A lot of what Her Excellency talked about rape cases are traced to motorcycle riders. They carry those young ladies and drive them to unknown destinations, sometimes to a bush track where they molest them.
“We have apprehended one of them and I’ve, spoken to the Local Government Chairman to ensure that he is prosecuted in the law court.
Governor Emmanuel recounted a chilling story of a young and innocent lady who was taken to one of the hideouts and gang raped and raised concern on the attitude of passers by who heard the girl crying for help but declined assistance , saying that the perpetrators have been apprehended and would be made to face the wrath of the law.
Mr Emmanuel emphasised on fellow feeling among the people, advising that people should always alert the police or law enforcement agents when they are in dangerous situations or see others being threatened and assured of adequate protection of the informants.
“A lady who was raped in here in uyo cried for help but neighbours did not assist her, they did not even report the incidence to the police, rather what they did was to tell their female children to avoid the man and stop moving along that street.
“And these people have been doing this. They have built a house for this. What baffles me is that people watch them do this without reporting to the police or raise alarm .
“You needed to see the man involved, a heavy bearded man with two children. They are four in that cartel, we’ve arrested three and I told the Commissioner of Police to arrest the fourth person ensure that they are prosecuted. I don’t mind petitioning the Nigeria Judicial Council to ensure that justice is served”, he explained.
On the recent demonstration by commercial motorcycle operators within the Mbierebe community and The Nest of Champion Stadium axis, the Governor noted that people involved themselves in actions not minding the implications and directed the police to handle the mob action, warning that that restriction on operations of commercial motorcycles in some areas in Uyo is still in force.
This, according to him, is to inject sanity in the society and urged the motorcyclists to limit themselves to the restricted areas while security Agencies are to enforce the order.
“…..we restricted Commercial motorcycle operations and I learned they are protesting along the stadium road, burning tires and I’ve told the police to wade into the matter. We can’t run a lawless society.
” If you have a brother who is a commercial motorcyclist, tell him we’ve marked areas they should operate to enable us carryout surveillance of the area because we have to maintain security and peace in this state and we will not compromise for any reason”, the Governor warned.
Mr Emmanuel used the occasion to discourage youths indulgence in cultism and other vices, warning that those caught would go in for it and particularly advised parents to be alive to their responsibility of enforcing discipline on their children, stressing that a child’s upbringing is is a collective responsibility mostly in the African continent.
“if you see a child going out of the way and you correct that child, you have actually invested more than money in that child. If you see a father a mother who is not discharging his or her responsibilities, you draw their attention to
it”, he advised.
On the recent demonstration by Commercial Motorcycle operators within the Mbierebe community and The Nest of Champion Stadium express way, the Governor said that the ban is still in force and no compromise. This according to him is to inject sanity in the society and urged the operators to limit themselves to the stipulated places
Governor Emmanuel lauded the initiative of FEYReP on humanitarian services,saying that “in four years FEYReP has come to represent a beacon of hope to the hopeless ; a shining light to those whose vision has been darkened by the vicissitudes of life, adding that ” homes have been built and donated to widows across the 3 senatorial districts”.
The Governor expressed appreciation to his wife, Mrs. Martha, who is also the progenitor of FEYReP and others who have contributed to the giant strides
recorded through the pet project.
Earlier in her remarks, the initiator of the programme Mrs. Martha Udom
Emmanuel, appreciated the Governor for supporting the pet project,
saying that the Governor’s gesture to FEYReP has led to the
achievements in areas of services rendered to citizens of the
State.
The Akwa Ibom first Lady said FEYReP , in it three years of existence has
offered assistance in areas of Education, Health, Agriculture and in the provision of shelter to widows, widowers and vulnerable members of the society as well as carried out awareness campaigns on domestic violence and called on teenage girls to uphold their dignity by avoiding indulgence in sexual activities.
In a keynote address, the Company Secretary MTN Nigeria, Mrs Uto Ukpanah described FEYReP as a child of necessity which has warmed the heart of the vulnerable members of the society by giving succour to those whose hope for a better living were dashed.
Mrs Ukpanah commended the FEYReP family for a job well done and congratulated them on the fourth anniversary celebration, wishing them God’s divine blessings in their endeavour.
A one time Vice Chancellor of the University of Uyo, Professor Comfort Ekpo, in her goodwill massage , commended the facilitator, Mrs Martha Udom Emmanuel for her passion in the uplift of the downtrodden .
Professor Ekpo congratulated FEYRep for making it to it fourth year of existence and wished the Governor’s wife success in her humanitarian services.
At the colourful and well attended event, in mates of the Divine Home , Uyo , thrilled the guests with spectacular performances.
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