By Patrick Titus, Uyo
In Akwa Ibom State, operators of tricycles, popularly known as Keke, and minibuses have been directed to register on the Ministry of Transport’s digital database as part of measures to strengthen security and improve public transportation in the state.
The state Governor, Pastor Umo Eno gave the directive during the July Edition of the Government House Monthly Prayer Service at the Latter House Chapel, Government House, Uyo, at the weekend.
Eno warned that any transport operator who fails to adhere to the directive would have his or her tricycle or minibus impounded.
He explained that the initiative is aimed at preventing criminals from disguising themselves as commercial transport operators to perpetrate crime in the state.
“We are digitally registering all our Keke/minibus owners and riders in the State for free, and I think from August, it will be possible for you to know the names of the driver, rider, or transporter of any minibus or keke that you are boarding,” he said.
Governor Eno observed that as Akwa Ibom continues to position itself as a tourism destination, the public transport system must be free of criminal elements to guarantee the safety of residents and visitors.
He also announced that free internet service would soon become available at the Victor Attah International Airport as part of the administration’s drive to improve public services and expand digital infrastructure.
Governor Eno used the occasion to admonish residents against indiscriminate dumping of refuse into drainage channels, describing flash flooding as a natural occurrence that requires both government intervention and public cooperation.
He disclosed that the state government would review its flood control strategies to strengthen its response to flooding and stressed the need for strict compliance with the monthly environmental sanitation exercise.
Eno warned that movement would no longer be allowed during environmental sanitation hours, adding that anyone who violates the state’s sanitation laws would be prosecuted according to the law. He called on residents to support the government’s efforts by keeping their surroundings clean.
On the administration’s social welfare programme, the Governor said the ongoing free food distribution exercise across the 31 local government areas is being implemented using the State Social Register.
He said that the Ministry of Economic Planning would soon begin updating the register to accommodate more vulnerable residents.
Eno thanked Akwa Ibom indigenes for their continued prayers and support, noting that their cooperation has contributed significantly to the peace, stability and development being recorded across the state.
