ABIA GOVT SAYS OKADA RESTRICTION IS FOR THE OVER ALL INTEREST OF THE SOCIETY CHARGES ALL TO COMPLY David Maduako –Umuahia

ABIA GOVT SAYS OKADA RESTRICTION IS FOR THE OVER ALL INTEREST OF THE SOCIETY
CHARGES ALL TO COMPLY

David Maduako –Umuahia

Abía State government have once again urged her Citizenry in the state to strictly comply and support the recent restriction of commercial motorcycle Operators popularly known as Okada in parts of Umuahia, Aba. and Ohafia .

The State Commissioner for Information Prince Okey Kanu
Addressing Newsmen on Monday , the 29th of June 2026 at the government house Umuahia while briefing the press on the outcome of the week’s Executive Council meeting headed by the state governor Dr Alex Óttï, said enforcement of the restriction of the operation of Commercial motorcyclists commenced on Monday the 29th June 2026 . He noted that the exercise which was billed to take off on 22nd of june 2026 was shifted to 29th of June . According to him the postponement by government was as a result of the consideration that some families depend on Okada for survival , so they were given 7 days relief to readjust them selves to the new situation .

Prince Okey Kanu observed that in as much as government’ considers the inconvinences the ban may cause the Operators , the security and well being of the people are more paramount to government’ . He made it clear that all motorcycles and tricycle in the state must be formally registered including private motorbikes which must not carry any passenger . He stated that offenders would pay a penalty of twenty thousand Naira ( 20,000 ). The operators must have a uniform vest and have to operate from designated routes

The state government has equally established a toll-free public complaint system to enable residents report cases of misconduct, extortion, abuse or other infractions by security agencies and task force personnel to ensure transparency and accountability in the enforcement process

Prince Kanu appealed to residents, transport operators, community leaders and the general public to cooperate with relevant authorities in support of the initiative, while thanking citizens for their understanding and support since the restriction was announced, maintaining that, no economic or political consideration can outweigh the value of human life.

On infrastructure development, the Commissioner disclosed that the Ministry of Works has continued to intensify road construction and maintenance activities across the state.

According to him, between June 16 and June 29, 2026, direct labour activities were carried out at 14 locations across the state, with five projects completed and one new project added to the ministry’s maintenance basket.

The Commissioner further announced the commencement of a new direct labour project including the construction of Green Avenue Square in Aba, while revealing that 24 road projects are currently on contract across the state .

Speaking on the recent kidnap of two primary school pupils at Umuosu Community in Isialanvwa North LGA by a Keke Operator who sped off with the two kids , the Special Adviser to the governor on Security Matters Navy Commander Macdonald Ubah Rtd described the incidence as quiet unfortunate but stated that the state government and security Agencies are on top of the situation.
End .