South East breaking News
The Traffic and Indiscipline Management Agency of Abia State ( TIMASS) to partner with the management of tricycle operators in Abia to bring peace and sanitize the traffic sector in the state .
This was made known by the Deputy General Manager, Mr Smart Uwakwe at the Umuahia office of TIMASS while interacting with the leadership of the different keke operators unions in Abia state.
Uwakwe said it has become wise and necessary to interact and brainstorm with the management of tricycle operators,the Atriwa ,the Toan and the Satoa to resolve some of the challenges facing the sector.
According to him , TIMASS is seeking means of addressing these issues and establish harmonious working relationship with the keke operators so as to avoid unnecessary rancor and fight .
” We want to bring in peace and decency in our operations in Abia state and this interactive session has opened up alot of lapses”
He described the recent misunderstanding between the officers of the TIMASS and the Keke operators in Umuahia as unethical and apologized for what transpired between them .
” I want to apologise for what happened on Thursday,what the officers did was unethical,but it is also wrong that majority of the Keke operators resorted to violence. It is always better to dialogue to resolve issues than resorting to violence.
” I want to state here that the behavior of the officers of the agency is unethical and we regret whatever that happened and we are also soliciting that the leadership of the various unions should talk to their members to stop carrying weapons “
” Let them understand that we are not here to witch-hunt them, I do not like intimidation. I want to create a cordial relationship between TIMASS and the Keke operators in the state.Let us avoid violence and be our brothers’ keeper “
Commenting on what is happening at the Umuahia Isigate, he pointed out that,” we are going to resolve and sanitize the place and make that place free from traffic congestion .
” On the issue of another task force at the Isigate, we are going to stop the double taxation going on there ” he said
In his Contribution, the chairman of the Atriwa tricycle operators union Hon.Chisom John attributed the high amount of money which the defaulters of the traffic rules are charged as one of the causes of incessant quarrels between the officers of TIMASS and Keke operators in the state, while appealing to them to reduce the amount of money .
” TIMASS is charging Keke operators too much money .It is painful,look into it and I believe there will be peace and harmony .Our members are complaining bitterly and advise your officers to work with fairness and not bitterness”
In the same vein, the vice chairman of Atriwa union,comrade Kanu Orji lauded the leadership of TIMASS for resolving the issues at Bank road , and Umudike junction,but complained that Keke operators are not treated the same with bus drivers.
In his speech, the chairman of TOAN Keke operators union, chief Enyinnaya Madumere, commended TIMASS leadership for the interactive session which he explained will enhance the cordial relationship between officers of TIMASS and the management of tricycle operators.
He appealed that TIMASS leadership should organize public education and sensitization programmes to help educate the keke operators.
” It will be good to have days for educating and cautioning keke operators,not just enforcement because we are ready to partner and work with TIMASS”
In his speech, comrade Emmanuel Idume thank TIMASS for the interactive session, while urging the officers of TIMASS to have human face and understanding while performing their duties .
Other TIMASS officers present at the meeting include the Head of operations, Rev. Christopher Ononugbu ,the secretary officer Bid Hope among others .