The Akwa Ibom State government has assured Tricycle (keke) operators in the state that it has no intention, as speculated by opposition to ban their services in the State.

The false alarm and rumour making the rounds that plans are underway to ban the operation of the popular commercial tricycle, otherwise known as keke Napep, the State Government say is promoted by the APC as a bait to lure Keke operators to support its aggressive quest for power grabs in the state.

Addressing journalists in ?Uyo over the weekend, the Commissioner for Transport, Dr. Godwin Ntukude explained that, although his ministry was in partnership with some investors to introduce corporate township call taxis to compliment urban transportation, this was not a cover to ban the operation of Tricycles.

The opposition All Progressives Congress, APC, according to Ntukudeh has resorted to the old antics of falsehood, propaganda and spreading wild rumours to stir strife in the society in an attempt to destabilize government which he said will not succeed.

Describing keke as very critical to transportation sub sector of the state economy, the Transport Boss maintained that Government was well aware that, the operators depend on this as means of livelihood and will not be so insensitive as to abruptly terminate the operation of the mode of transportation in the state.

Enumerating the benefits of Keke Napep, the commissioner said, apart from mopping up a large chunk of unemployed youths, this has helped to reduce crime rate and ensured security in the state.

The taxis when fully operational, he explained, will ply routes, where keke Napep are restricted from and will also serve to offer call service within five minutes to meet worlds best standards, especially to the teaming investors expected in the state.

On the fear of the city of Uyo experiencing a glut in keke Napep, the commissioner acknowledged that, keke which is now over ten thousand will at some point overcrowd the city, but that, he assured will be handled with a long term, well thought out plan to avoid any adverse effect on benefiting families.

He however revealed that, Government is planning ahead of time, and will also negotiate with operators and stake holders in the industry to plan a phased withdrawal of the tricycles and empowerment of the operators with vehicles so that, there will be no major disruption of the system or the lives and businesses of the operators.

“Just as motorcycles were phased out for the better improved keke Napep, the people and operators will ultimately enjoy the new system government will put in place in the future”.? He assured

The transport Commissioner flayed reports peddled in some quarters that, Governor Udom Emmanuel is against Keke operators, revealing that, as then Secretary to the State Government, it was Mr Emmanuel that, as Chairman of the Committee to harmonize keke Napep operation in the state that resolved the issue of multiple levies on the operators and recommending a fixed charge of two(200) hundred naira daily, as the only authorized charge on operators which covers every route across the state.

He wondered how as Governor, Udom Emmanuel could then turn around to oppress the operators and advised those spreading and fabricating lies to desist from them.

He however called for support for the ministry in her determination to sanitize the transport sub sector of the economy, de-congest traffic, provide, clean and efficient transport system to drive tourism, travels, commerce and trade, and total support for the Governor udom led administration so as to lift the state higher.

Source:Dailyindependent