Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State has introduced a scheme that will result in tricycle operators in the state working with security agencies in the areas of crime prevention and detection, as well as identification and apprehension of criminals.
Soliciting their collaboration with his government, Gov. Ugwuanyi told members of the Tricycle Operators Association that even though Enugu is ranked among the safest states in country, there is nonetheless some security challenges and “increasing desperation and sophistication of criminal elements in the society”.
The governor who spoke in an interactive meeting with the members of the Association at the Michael Okpara Square, Enugu, thanked the tricycle operators for the support and solidarity accorded the administration since its inauguration.
“We are determined to keep improving and expanding our security operations, being fully aware that any lapse on our part could spell dire consequences for our people,” the governor said, reiterating his administration’s commitment to ensure that members carry out their normal activities peacefully and without undue harassment.
“In as much as this is a call to duty for you as citizens, we have also decided to train you free of charge and offer financial and logistic support for your services in this regard. Officers from the security agencies will also be appointed to liaise with you daily to ensure that the objectives of this initiative are fully realized,” he noted further.
Earlier, the chairman of the tricycle operators, Mr Benjamin Ejiofor, commended Governor Ugwuanyi for the measures he had taken towards enhancing the welfare of their members.
He said that the governor’s positive disposition in that regard is an indication of his love for the association and people of the state in general. “Above all, you have restored our confidence in the government as we now see ourselves as true heroes of democracy,” he said, pledging the association’s “unalloyed support” for the government.
Thanking the governor for the prevailing peace in the association, he added that the ministry of transport’s biometric registration for their members and existing cordial relationship between the association and the local government officials are all proofs that the governor is concerned about the masses’ welfare.
