Installation Of Traffic Lights; Ebonyi Residents, Motorists Lauds Umahi As Government Harps On Strict Compliance

By Celestine Okeh

Residents and road users in Abakaliki, the Ebonyi State Capital have expressed excitement  over the ongoing installation of traffic lights at strategic junctions in the metropolis.

Speaking to our correspondent in Abakaliki, a cross - section of residents, commercial bus drivers, tricycle Riders, commercial motorcycle operators and government officials bear their minds on the new development in the state.

A commercial bus driver, Mr John Ucha who was vissibly excited, thanked Governor David Umahi for bringing such innovation to the state, which he said, will help ease the perennial traffic gridlock in the area.

He called on all his colleagues to adhere to the traffic light for the good of all.

On his part, Mr Sunday Akochi, a motorcycle operator, purpularly known as"OKADA"  said that he is happy with what the governor is doing. "the installation of traffic lights in some of the busy junctions in Abakaliki is a welcome development, the governor has brought what we have been seeing in other big cities to our state and we are happy for that", he said. He however, urge other commercial motorcycle riders to be mindful of the traffic lights and obey it.

Also speaking, a tricycle Rider, Mr Onyedikachi Awazi who was apprehended by traffic officers for flouting the traffic lights, claimed ignorant of existence of the traffic light in the area. He was however, excited after the traffic officers educated him on the workings of the traffic lights and asked him to go without collecting money from him. He thanked the governor for making the state according to him "a small London, and prayed God to bless him.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner for internal Security, border peace and conflict resolution, Hon. Stanley Okoro Emegha, whose office superintended over the installation of the traffic lights, said that the essence of the traffic lights was to guarantee safety and restore sanity due for a capital city, in Abakaliki. He warned Motorists to adhere strictly to the operation of the traffic lights as task force will soon be in place to apprehend and impound the vehicle defaulters.

Emegha reiterated that the subsisting ban on motorcycle operation from 7pm still stands. He urged those on essential duties like security agents to arm themselves with proper means of identification to avoid unnecessary drama.

He also warned tricycle Riders who are yet to comply with the new directives on the removal of cover on their tricycle, to do that immediately to avoid the task force Impounding their tricycles.