By; PATRICK TITUS, Uyo
The Commissioner of Police in Akwa Ibom State, CP Olateyo Durosinmi has ordered the enforcement of the prohibition law against the use of motorcycles within Uyo Metropolis, saying, it poses security threats as Christmas is around the corner.
Police Public Relations Officer in the state, SP Odiko Macdon who expressed this in a statement released to journalists in Uyo on Saturday, maintained that all motorcycles found within Uyo Metropolis would be impounded.
Also affected by the order, are driving against traffic, covering of vehicle number plates and indiscriminate tinted vehicles.
It would be recalled that the state government has for years, banned the use of motorcyclists, except registered ones within Uyo Metropolis, as a measure to check crime, but motorcyclists appear to disobey the directive as years go by.
Angry over the development, Macdon said, “‘The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has observed with dismay, the continued disregard to the subsisting law, prohibiting the use of motorcycles within Uyo Metropolis by some Motorcyclists.
“Some Motorists are also in the habit of covering their number plates or using logos of cars in place of their number plates.Also, while some have indiscriminately tinted their vehicles, others have made driving against the traffic, that is driving one-way especially along the new ring road 3 and other parts of the state, causing accidents a new normal.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the Akwa Ibom State Police Command considers public order and Safety as sacrosanct and will spare no resources in ensuring same, hence, the above trends are not acceptable.
“Henceforth, all bikes found within Uyo Metropolis will be impounded. All those using one-way, all those driving without vehicle registration, those covering number plates and using tinted glasses indiscriminately to disturb public order and safety will be arrested and charged for traffic and other related offences.” SP Macdon stated.
He reiterated that the Command was committed to the safety and peace of Akwa Ibomites and Visitors alike, and urged residents to enjoy the yuletide and report any form of threats or public disorder to 080-392-13071 or 0916 983 9213.
