RSG Restates Ban On Keke-Napep

The Rivers State Government says the ban on Keke-Napep in Port Harcourt, Obio/Akpor, Oyigbo and Eleme Local Government Area, is still in force.

Governor, Chibuike Amaechi stated this at a Summit on Road Safety, organised by the Ministry of Transport in collaboration with Shell Petroleum Development Company in Port Harcourt.

He said there is no difference between bikes popularly known as okada which have been banned in some parts of Rivers State and Keke-Napep, stressing that both of them are hazardous and not safe means of transportation.

Represented by the secretary to the state government, Mr. George Feyii, Rt. Hon. Amaechi said, after the ban on okada, a survey on orthopedic hospitals in Port Harcourt showed that they have less number of patients from road related accidents, pointing out that it was thoughtful of government to take such a hard decision.

According to him, several states in Nigeria have taken a cue from Rivers State by banning the use of bikes for commercial purposes.

Government is planning to decongest Aba Road by constructing a road from UTC junction that would connect Rumuokwuta junction, adding that the road would serve as an alternative route for those who may not wish to use Aba Road when entering or leaving Port Harcourt, the State Chief Executive explained.

He said, by the time this road is constructed, and the monorail completed the congestion we experience on Aba Road would be reduced drastically thereby bringing down the rate of road accidents.

The chairman of Nigerian Road Safety Partnership, Mr. Obiefuna Iloanusi in his remarks observed that most of the road accidents that occur on our roads are caused by either poor or lack of road signages, road markings and traffic lights.

Mr. Ilanusi appealed to the state government to enter into partnership with the private sector in establishing driving schools that would train people n the basic principles of driving, adding that driving goes beyond moving a vehicle from one place to another.