Ban on touting, extortion in parks still in force in Abia, says Commissioner

Abia State Government has said that touting and extortions in the parks and along the roads remain prohibited.

This is as it warned those who extort traders at Ngwa Road market, Aba to desist forthwith or face persecution.

Okey Kanu, commissioner for Information, who gave the warning on Monday, while briefing newsmen at the end of week’s executive Council meeting chaired by Governor Alex Otti, noted that the State Government has the details and identities of those involved in such criminal acts.

The warning according to Kanu, serves as the last opportunity for the impostors to repent of their evil ways, turn a new leaf, and do things correctly.

“By this announcement, the State Government is giving the last opportunity to those involved to desist from these criminal activities”, Kanu said.

But in line with the governance philosophy of the Abia State Government, they are being given the last opportunity to repent of the evil ways, turn a new leaf, and do things correctly or else, the full wrath of the law will be brought to bear on all those involved.

“Let me conclude by saying that testing the will of this government in this regard, would be an unprofitable venture for those involved”.

The Commissioner disclosed that the Abia State Government, through the Ministry of Transport, has rekindled its plans to strengthen the enforcement of traffic rules and regulations across the State.

To this end, offenders including those who drive against traffic, along with traffic light offenders, picking up passengers on the road, otherwise known as ‘Akanelu’ will be fined or prosecuted depending on the severity of the traffic offense.

“Also, touting and extortions in the parks and along the roads remain prohibited”, the Commissioner said.

He disclosed that after taking delivery of the first 40 buses for its mass transit programme, the State Government plans to extend the services to far-flung Local Government Areas of the State, such as Arochukwu, Umunneochi, and others.

He said that the idea is in line with the government’s philosophy that the ordinary citizens of the State and who live in the hinterlands are the undisputed beneficiaries of its social services and programmes.