Rivers: New State Taskforce on Street Trading, Illegal Motors parks starts enforcement

BY KAZEEM BISIRIYU

Rivers State Government Taskforce on the ban on street trading, illegal motor parks, taxi ranks and mechanic workplaces,  commenced operation on major streets today.



The new Coordinator of the taskforce, DSP Felix Nwadibeyi (rtd),   said his team began operation today by first patrolling the streets of Port Harcourt and Obio Akpor Local Government Areas to sensitise  the public on the need to obey  government  ban on   street trading and illegal motor parks.

“Today, we are going out to sensitise the people to make sure that they are aware of our presence and  that we have commenced operation.


“For some time now, there was no taskforce working. We are now going out to alert the public that we have commenced operation. Anybody caught wanting will be prosecuted.


Nwadibeyi, said no member of the defunct Taskforce on Street Trading and illegal motor is part of the reconstituted team which he now coordinates.


He  assured the public of the civility of new taskforce, but warned that anyone who wilfully flout  government ban on street trading, illegal motor parks, taxi ranks and mechanic workplaces, will be arrested and prosecuted.

Similarly, the officer in charge of the security of the  Taskforce, DSP Okuto Christopher, explained that the presence  of  security personnel attached to the  taskforce is to make sure there is no breakdown of law and order.

“If there is any defaulter or offender, ours is to arrest and take them to the nearest (Police) division and they, (defaulters) will be charged to court.”

It will be recalled that the Rivers State government had repeatedly warned  all those involved in street trading, illegal motor parks, taxi ranks and mechanic workplaces on the streets  to desist forthwith or face the full wrath of the law.

The State Government had a similar Taskforce on similar matter headed by Bright Amaehule,a Chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, and former Caretaker Committee Chairman,CTC,of Obio-Akpor local government Council but was disbanded by Governor Nyesom Wike due to incessant Public outcry over allegations of abuse of humanrights, sabotage corruption and even extra-Judicial killings.

Cross section of the Vehicles and Personnel of the new Taskforce on Street Trading and Illegal Motorsparts.

The new Coordinator of the taskforce, DSP Felix Nwadibeyi (rtd) briefing Journalist on Monday.