Akwa Ibom state government has set up a joint taskforce to enforce the implementation of the ban on scavenging across its 31 local councils and the ban on motorcyclists within Uyo metropolis.
Inaugurating the taskforce yesterday in Uyo, the Special Assistant to the Governor on Security Matters and Special Services, Mr Iniobong Ekong, said that, the duties of the taskforce included enforcement of the law on open grazing and other related laws.
It could be recalled that, the state government through the Secretary to the state government, Dr Emmanuel Ekuwem, had on January 4,2022 banned the activities of scrap scavengers in the state at the wake of death of three persons caused by face-off between scrap scavengers and indigenes of Oku community in Uyo council area.
According to Ekong, the action became necessary to ensure that government’s directives were obeyed to the later for the safety and security of the people.
He added that, the enforcement became imperative inorder to tackle any internal insecurity in the state noting that most heinous crimes such as rape, burglary, stealing from investigations were being perpetuated with the use of motorcycles.
“We have seen ugly development that Okada has started creeping in especially in Uyo metropolis, and part of Uyo capital city. This has not in any way helped the positivity of our security architecture
“Again we have seen the menace of the scrap operators on the livelihood and peace of our people. Actually government has not in any way positioned itself to block peoples’ lead sources of livelihood, but, the freedom of one to conduct business must not impede on the right of existence of the other.
“Government will not keep quiet and allow a set of bussiness ‘entrepreneurs’ who want to survive and grow their bussiness at the expense of freedom and livelihood of any other person. Every other citizen resident or organic is equal to the other in all ramifications and government has the responsibility to guarantee freedom, safety and peace for all.
“Consequent upon this, government has set up enforcement team on ban to move around to ensure total compliance.” He explained.
Ekong announced that, a mobile court would be sitting in Ibom Hall Uyo, for trial of defaulters, adding that, motorcycles seized would be crushed publicly as arrangements have been concluded with a crushing company from Aba Abia State, which would be performing the exercise every two weeks.
Addressing the law enforcement officers, which included men and officers of the Nigerian Police, the Military, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence, he charged them to be diligent and not to engage in physical combat with defaulters as there are existing laws waiting for them.
He warned that no one was exempted from the ban especially officers that ride motorcycles in the banned zone, disclosing that, Governor Udom Emmanuel has approved a welfare package for them.
