Lockdown: Abia govt. to impound vehicles, fine inter-state travelers N50,000

By IJENDU IHEAKA

Gov. Okezie Ikpeazu has signed an executive bill empowering Abia transport ministry to impound vehicles and impose a N50,000 fine on travelers who violate the ban on inter-state trips.

Chief Ekele Nwaohammuo, Commissioner for Transport, who disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), on Friday in Aba, said that the ministry had already arrested two drivers and impounded two vehicles with passengers moving from Aba to Lagos.

“We have also sealed Perfect Transport Company, Aba for violating the lockdown directive which prohibited inter-state movements,” he said

The commissioner said that he would soon meet with transporters and road workers unions in Abia to remind them of the implications of running foul of the lockdown rules, and to encourage compliance.

“It is very correct that some motorists and buses still load and move people in and outside Abia.

“I have arrested some motorists for boarding people in their vehicles to move outside the state.

“I am just from the Secretary to the State Government’s office where I went to seek reinforcement because I am just an individual and cannot handle the situation alone..

“These commercial drivers are very stubborn. I have told them on radio the difference between intra-state and inter-state movements, yet they keep doing what they are doing.

“I will hold a meeting with all their leaders on Friday to ensure they understand the need to obey the lockdown order or face the consequence,” Nwaohammuo said.

He disclosed that he had been authorised to work with the Special Adviser on Security to Abia government, Capt. Awa Udonsi, and use “every reasonable force” to seal any park transporting people for inter-state trips. (NAN)