The Ebonyi State House of Assembly has given 24-hour ultimatum to operators of unauthorized motor parks in Abakaliki, to cease operations or face legal consequences.
This directive was conveyed in a statement released by the Public Relations Officer for the state Assembly, Sylvester Egede, following a meeting between the Ebonyi State House of Assembly Committee on Works and Transport, led by Deacon Joseph Ununu, and managers of various motor parks on Tuesday.
The statement explained that these unapproved motor parks extend across key areas in Abakaliki, from Vanco Junction, through Presco, to Onuebonyi Junction in the state capital.
Egede explained, “All the transport operators doing their business at the illegal spots like Vanco Junction, Spera ‘N’ Deo, Presco Junction, and Onuebonyi Junction, among others, have been directed to put a stop to it within 24 hours or be ready to face the full wrath of the law.”
The committee emphasized that these unregulated loading zones detract from the city’s aesthetic appeal and diminish the state’s Internally Generated Revenue.
In response, the Assembly directed all mass transit operators to submit proof of IGR payment to the committee’s clerk by Friday, November 15.
In addition to shutting down unauthorized operations, the committee, chaired by Ununu, ordered transit companies to discontinue pick-and-drop activities on city streets and instead operate exclusively from designated motor parks provided by the Ebonyi State government.
Furthermore, the committee highlighted a lack of basic amenities in these transport companies, which could affect passenger welfare.
“Conclusively, the committee observed that the transport companies have no standard toilet facilities, firefighting equipment, or waiting hall, which are inimical to the comfortability of the passengers,” Ununu noted, adding that operators should install concrete flooring at their premises and present all documents proving their registration as mass transit operators to the committee clerk.
Backing the committee’s stance, Vice Chairman and representative of Afikpo North East Constituency, Hon. Ukie Ezeali, clarified that the initiative was not meant to single out any individual or business.
He assured operators that they would receive full governmental support, provided they comply with the state’s regulations.
In response, Operational Manager of Ebonyi State Transport Service, r. Innocent Obiahu, expressed gratitude to the committee for their dialogue.
He also appealed for repairs to the entrance of the central park, underscoring the need for improved access.
