TRICYCLE OPERATORS TO PARTNER SECURITY AGENCIES IN FIGHTING CRIME IN ENUGU STATE
As part of efforts to check crime in Enugu State, tricycle operators will embark on training to acquire necessary skills that will enable them to collaborate with security agencies in ensuring sanity in the area.
Governor Ugwuanyi stated this during an interactive meeting with the Association of Tricycle Riders Transport Union at Michael Okpara Square Enugu. He said that the exercise, which would be free to the riders would also assist the state secure the lives and property of the people and equip the riders skillfully in the area of their business.
“It is for this reason, I have decided to formally engage you with a scheme that will enable you work hand in hand with security agencies, in the area of crime prevention and detection as well as attend to cases of pressure of criminal elements in the state.“
Governor Ugwuanyi directed that the one hundred naira levy collected from tricycle operators by various Local Government Councils be reduced to fifty naira to enable them to carter for their families.
He promised to give those who would be participating in the programme a monthly stipend and vests for easy identification.
The Commissioner for Transport, Mr. Vitus Okechi said that the operators were closers to the people and incorporating them in the security network of the state would go a long way in checking crime.
“These are the people that carry passengers on daily basis, even those criminals they are the people that carry them. Whenever they see them they will be able to alert our security agents.“
The State Chairman of the Association, Comrade Ikah Benjamin Ejiofor and the Chairman of Tricycle Operators, Holy Ghost Unity Park Enugu, Mr. Alexander Izuchukwu said that the meeting was a remarkable feat for members in the state.
“Some of our members do not believe they are among the prominent men in Enugu State. We are happy, there has never been a day like this since the introduction of tricycle in Enugu State.“
“Without being told, it`s something of honour and I bless God that somebody like the Excellency is a kind that remembers the poor masses.“
BY CHUKWUMA EZEOGU