The Abia State Government has suspended its planned enforcement of operational restrictions on tricycles (keke) and motorcycles (okada) between the hours of 7:00 pm and 6:00 am.
The restrictions, initially set to commence on August 1, 2024, have been put on hold until further notice.
The government in a statement signed by the Commissioner for Information and Culture, Prince Okey kanu said the decision comes in response to the current security situation and the national mood, caused by the impending “hunger” and “hardship” protests scheduled to start on the same date.
The state government emphasized that the postponement reflects its commitment to compassionate governance and responsive policy implementation.
“The Abia State Goverment wishes to inform the public that 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 has been put on hold till further notice .
“This is 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 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.”