Keke NAPEP Operators Allege Harassment By TIMA – RIV

Operators of Tricycles, Popularly known as Keke NAPEP have protested over what they described as illegal harassment by men of the Rivers State Traffic Management Authority (TIMA-RIV).

Speaking to The Tide on Tuesday at New Road, off Ada-George Road, Port Harcourt the Chairman of the Tricycle Assocation, John Ademola condemned the incessant harassment and intimidation of their members.

He said TIMA-RIV’s decision to impound tricycles on the road is a violation of the law that established the Authority adding that the law banning Motor Cycle recently in Port Harcourt, Obio/Akpor, Oyigbo and Eleme Local Government Areas did not affect rricycle.

According to him about 78 tricycles have been impounded by the road marshals of TIMA – Riv without any charges and respect for the rule of law.

The chairman maintained that the association’s case with the Rivers State Government concerning the banning of Tricycles in the state is yet to be decided in the appeal court, saying that any action contrary to the status quo, pending when the case will be decided is tantamounting to the contempt of court.

Ademola argued that a situation where agency like TIMA – Riv should concern itself on impounding legistimately registered tricycle operatining out of the major road does not befit its reputation, noting that their primary mandate is targeted at road traffic decongestion in the state.

He urged the Rivers State Road Traffic Management Authority to release his members’ tricycles unconditionally.

Effort to contact the controller of TIMA – Riv, General Nelson Jaja, proved unsuccessful as he was said to be out on official duties.