The Rivers State Government Taskforce on illegal street trading and motor parks has confessed that though the task before it is challenging and dynamic, the group is equal to it.
Speaking with newsmen over the weekend in Port Harcourt, the coordinator of the taskforce, DSP Felix Nwadibeyi rtd confirmed that the task is challenging, dynamic and demanding in the sense that despite the sensitization of the public on the need for traders or drivers to abide by the rules, they prefer to instead introduce various ways of thwarting the regulations.
He made it known that the public do not like anything taskforce and its activities and so would want to do everything possible to counter their strategies with every opportunity.
He cited the instance of what happened at Ozuoba in Obio/Akpor LGA recently where a driver was caught red handed off-loading on the main road and that instead of the suspect to plead for mercy, started shouting and rolling on the ground, pretending to be in pains.
Explaining that when he intervened, the man lied that his men shock him on his eyes, hence the terrible pains.
DSP Felix added that the suspect created a big scene that caused public nuisance. This incidence he stated, created an ugly scene that attracted his colleagues who stopped and join in a free-for-all fight that ensued in sympathy and by so doing gave the opportunity for the vandalization of the taskforce’s car in the process.
The coordinator however admitted that though they have been facing challenges of recent, the ability to face such challenges makes a man.
“Recently, we were confronted with a trader with an AK47 rifle at the Ikokwu spare parts market who of course has been handed over to the police for prosecution”.
He also observed that despite their soft approach on the traders and drivers, it has been confirmed that the public prefers the use of force to be applied on them, which he said they are now responding to in order to keep the road clear of traffics jam.
He equally informed that the taskforce is considering working on Sundays because the recalcitrant traders now prefer to trade on the prohibited areas on the weekends and public holidays.
On the part of his members, DSP Nwadibeyi said though they had embarked on constant orientation and seminars on the job, the authorities still subject them on daily basis, where their activities are reviewed and advise rendered.
At this point, he noted, those with criminal records are dismissed instantly or sent to the police for prosecution. As I am talking with you, about 30 of such derailed members have been dismissed and replaced since the inception of this taskforce.
We don’t condole any act of criminality like the case where a member stole the handset of a contravened driver which was traced to him and recovered,” he said.
He also informed that many members of the public who contravened the regulation are facing prosecution in various courts as the case may be.
The Coordinator used the opportunity to condemn a reporter in one of the radio stations in Port Harcourt who described his taskforce members as “common criminals” and as well accusing them of using shocker instrument on their victims. “Media practitioners should be able to verify their sources of information, chose the right words and as well balance their stories in the interest of the public”.
He also advised members of the public to relate well and cooperate with members of the taskforce whenever they are confronted contravening the laws.
