By Ismaila Jimoh, Abuja
Federal Capital Territory Administration, FCTA, said the ongoing crushing of motor bikes seized from operators riding in areas where they are not permitted has constitutional backing.
This was disclosed by the Mandate Secretary, Transportation Secretariat, FCTA, Dr Chinedum Elechi, while supervising the crushing of no fewer than 601 motor bikes found operating illegally in Abuja, on Tuesday.
Elechi noted that the secretariat has extant regulations that enables the ongoing enforcement, impounding and crushing of motorcycles from operators who refuse to obey the law.
He insisted that the restrictions and ban placed on the operation of commercial motorcycles in 45 locations within Abuja, still subsist and the ongoing enforcement will be sustained.
“We are acting under the regulation of the FCT. The most recent is the law on this subject matter and it is that of January 1, 2023.
“It was signed into into law by the immediate past administration of Mohammed Bello. So it is a law. If you use your motorbike in particular areas, it is against the law,” he said.
The Director, Directorate of Road Traffic Services, DRTs, Dr Abdullateef Bello confirmed that the crushing of the 601 motorcycles was the first exercise for this year and would be sustained as a deterrent to the operators.
Bello noted that the ban and restriction placed on some locations within the federal capital city since 2006 was meant to sanitise it and reduce the rate of criminalities.
Also speaking, the Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of Operation, AC Mode Magawata said the police and other security agencies are committed to the enforcement because of the crimes being perpetrated by some of the operators.
Magatawa disclosed that the enforcement has helped in checking the wave of crime in Abuja.
