The Delta State Government has cautioned tricycle and motorcycle operators protesting the enforcement of Law M7 to desist or risk the full wrath of the law.
Commissioner for Transport, Mr. Onoriode Agofure, issued the warning in response to demonstrations by tricycle riders in Warri, Uvwie, and Agbarho, who were opposing the Directorate’s directive on operator profiling.
Mr Onoriode Agofure, represented by Permanent Secretary Mr. Vincent Omomiyi, stated that enforcement will commence against non-compliant Riders after the two-week sensitization period expires.
He urged motorcycle and tricycle Riders to purchase the Apron, Rider’s cards, Emblem, and sticker from the Commercial Motorcycles and Tricycles Operators Association (COMTOA).
The Transport Commissioner who emphasized that compliance with Law M7 is necessary to curb nefarious crimes in the transportation sector, clarified that government policies are aimed to protect lives and properties, not to oppress citizens.
He commended Council Chairmen for supporting the government’s vision to safeguard Deltans from kidnappers and armed robbers.
The Directorate of Transport said it is working closely with law enforcement agencies in Delta State and emphasized that once the grace period expires, actions will be taken against defaulters.
Some riders protested violently during the campaign, citing concerns such as high costs of living and tricycle hire purchase, late dissemination of information, bad roads, and reluctance to identify with COMTOA.
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Also, some private riders who claimed to have token loans for their businesses objected to the apron collection.
On the sensitization campaign train were Director of Vehicle Inspection Engr. Vincent Ehiwario, Special Adviser to the Commissioner Engr. Victor Odeiti, Director of Administration Mr. Francis Ohawah, deputy Director of Vehicle Inspection Mr. Joseph Ginibo, Directorate of mechanical service Engr. Kingsley Itimi, and other Directorate staff.
The Directorate was also at Ughelli and Ozoro in Isoko North, and Oleh Isoko South to sensitise riders on government policies to bring security across the state.
