Niger Delta
A’Ibom To Check Activities Of Tricycle Operators
The Akwa Ibom Government is to check the environmental menace caused by the over whelming population of tricycle operators in Uyo.
Speaking with newsmen in Uyo, the Commissioner for Transport, Mr Ekpeyoung Ntekem, said that the ministry had taken note of the menace and promised to address it in a few weeks time.
Immediately after the state government banned the use of commercial motorcycles in Uyo there was an influx of tricycles to Uyo from the neighbouring states.
He said: “We understand that a greater number of these tricycle operators come from Abia, Imo and other neighbouring states and they do not have accommodation.
“We also discovered that they pack their tricycles along some major roads within the state capital at night and sleep inside their tricycles.
“I don’t think the residents of Uyo are comfortable with such development and I assure you that we are not going to over look that situation because the security of the state is at risk.
“If we don’t control or check such menace now, we might be faced with what led us to ban the use of motorcycles.”
Ntekem noted that as soon as the ministry was done with some machinery being put on ground, the issue would be addressed.
“I assure you that government is not sleeping and in the next couple of weeks all this will be a story,” he added.
The commissioner who was worried over the menace caused by the tricycle operators disclosed that a task force team had been set up to apprehend those involved.
Ntekem, who was the former Commissioner for Justice and Attorney-General of the state noted with displeasure the variety of tickets being sold by different union bodies to tricycle operators and taxis.
“I was surprised to hear that about eight different tickets were sold to commercial motorists and tricycles operators in a day.
“ The worst of it is that there use to be rivalry amongst the sellers resulting to affray and disturbance of public peace.
“We have streamlined their activities and mode of operation and anyone who violates the directives will face the wrath of law.” he warned.
The Rivers State Commissioner for Urban Development and Physical Planning, Rt Hon Evans Bipi, has eulogised Gen Gabriel Asabuja over his recent birthday celebration in Port Harcourt.
Bipi said Asabuja is worth celebrating following his numerous contributions and support to the administration of Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
He described Asabuja as a strong pillar of governance in Rivers State, adding that the Ministry of Urban Development and Physical Planning is happy working with him.
He noted that Asabuja’s position as a team leader of the Ministry’s taskforce has been amazing, saying the Ministry is proud associating with him.
The former lawmaker hinted that since Asabuja assumed office as leader of the taskforce, the Ministry has witnessed tremendous improvement.
Bipi said the Ministry will always stand by him to ensure that the dreams of the Governor Fubara-led government are achieved.
On his part, the celebrant, Gen Gabriel Asabuja expressed gratitude to God and the Commissioner for the honour done him.
Gen Asabuja also commended Governor Fubara for his tremendous and good leadership in the State, saying his group will continue to give the Governor maximum support in order to achieve more for Rivers people.
Gen Asabuja described Rt Hon Evans Bipi as one of the best brains working with the Governor, saying under Bipi, the Ministry of Urban Development and Physical Planning has shown capacity to leverage on the Governor’s mantra of Rivers First.
He said both the personnel of the Ministry, the Directors and adhoc staff are happy with his style of leadership.
The Joint Provincial Council, East of the Niger, Anglican Communion, held its 2025 Annual General Meeting at St. Michael’s Church, Rumuomasi Deanery, Diocese of Evo from Saturday 15th — Sunday 16th February, 2025.
The meeting which had the theme, “Kept By His Mercies”, with text from Lamentations 3:22-23, had the Archbishops, Bishops, their wives, Chancellors, Financial Secretaries and Synod Clerical Secretaries of the 58 Dioceses as delegates.
At the opening ceremony on Saturday, the Dean of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) and Chairman of the Council, Most Rev Blessing Enyindah, charged delegates to stay focused and committed to the matters for discussion and implement decisions reached for the growth of the Church in the region and the advancement of the business of God’s Kingdom.
Most Rev Enyindah, who is also the Archbishop of the Niger Delta Province and Bishop of the Diocese of Ikwerre, lauded the Diocese of Evo for the giant strides recorded in just 15 years of existence while tasking the leadership not to rest on its oars but to strive further to complete the work of the Kingdom in their hands.
Addressing the council in his welcome address, the Bishop of the Diocese of Evo and host of the Joint Council, The Rt Rev Innocent Ordu, welcomed the delegates, and reminded them that the theme is apt and fit as it reminds the Church of God’s inexplicable and instructible mercy towards mankind, which supersedes His righteous judgements.
Bishop Ordu further lamented the many challenges bedeviling the country, such as skyrocketing cost of living, ravaging sicknesses and ailments, proliferation of harmful drugs, natural disasters, high level corruption in public offices, inept political leadership, amongst others, which he said could not consume mankind because of God’s mercies.
In their separate speeches, delegates saluted the Diocese of Evo for willingly accepting to host the council and the comfort they enjoyed during their stay.
Earlier, the council appointed the Synod’s Clerical Secretary of the Diocese of Evo, Rev (Canon) (Dr) Ebenezer Owhor as the Assistant Secretary of the Joint Council.
Also, before the commencement of plenary, the women of St. Michael’s Church, Rumuomasi Deanery thrilled delegates to good traditional tunes and dance steps while His Royal Highness Eze( Sir) Raymond Chinda led the chiefs and elders of Rumuomasi community in Oropotoma Kingdom, to appreciate the council for choosing the community to host the meeting.
They solicited for prayers of peace, unity and development from the council.
The meeting ended on Sunday evening while the Archbishops and Bishops worshipped in various churches in the Diocese of Evo.