The Rivers state Director of the National Orientation Agency, Mr. Oliver Wolugbom has condemned in strong terms the reckless activities of some commercial drivers and touts who are in the habit of parking their cars in unauthorised places along major roads and streets in Port Harcourt metropolis.
He also condemned the attitude of street traders obstructing movement on the roadside.
According to the State Director, the activities of these persons negate the good intentions of the Rivers State Government that has invested hugely on road infrastructure for the benefit of the citizenry and as part of its strategy to create an enabling environment and safe haven for investors.
The NOA boss observed that the activities of these motorists and traders had created congestion, inaccessibility of the road to decent and law abiding users and constituted a serious nuisance to the environment, safety and health of the citizens.
The NOA boss pointed out that the National Union of Road Transport Workers was a reputable union that was known nationwide for its sense of responsibility and capacity to regulate the attitude and behaviors of its members and affiliates.
He called on the leadership of the Union in Rivers State to re-orientate its members and check the activities of some unscrupulous persons who may have infiltrated its ranks to perpetuate the reckless and unacceptable behavior presently witnessed by road users in the state.
Mr. Wolugbom also called on the State Government through the Ministries of Transport and Urban Development and the two councils of Port Harcourt City and Obio/Akpor Local government Areas to re-invigorate its machineries for the enhancement of traffic and walk ways as well as re-engage all stakeholders in the transport and market business with a view to ending the menace posed by these motorists and street traders and making the roads citizens friendly.
The State Director, Oliver Wolugbom appealed to all our citizens to obey traffic rules and remain law-abiding.