The Rivers State Government has officially announced the disbandment of all taskforces involved in road decongestion efforts across the state. This decision was made public by the Commissioner for Transport, Collins Onunwo, on Tuesday, November 26, 2024, in response to growing complaints of harassment and extortion by these taskforce officials.
The move comes after numerous residents of Port Harcourt voiced concerns over the behavior of taskforce personnel, who were reportedly involved in harassing motorists and demanding bribes. A particularly disturbing incident that spurred the ban was a viral video on social media, which showed a woman being extorted of forty thousand naira by taskforce officers along Ada George Road. The video, which quickly gained traction online, highlighted the widespread allegations of corrupt practices by members of the road decongestion teams.
In light of these complaints, the Rivers State Government has ordered the immediate suspension of all road decongestion taskforces, including those operating in all 23 local government areas and those affiliated with the Ministry of Transport. This suspension is intended to address the growing public concern over the actions of these officials.
The state government, led by Governor Siminialayi Fubara, emphasized that this decision is in line with its commitment to good governance and the protection of the rights and safety of the people of Rivers State. The government reiterated its strong condemnation of any form of abuse, including harassment, intimidation, and extortion, under the guise of traffic enforcement.
“The administration of Governor Fubara is deeply committed to ensuring that the safety and well-being of Rivers residents are prioritized,” the statement read. “We categorically reject any practices that undermine public trust in government institutions, especially when such acts are done in the name of law enforcement.”
In addition to the immediate ban, the government assured the public that it is actively reviewing alternative approaches to managing traffic regulation and ensuring smoother road operations. A new and restructured taskforce will be introduced at a later time, with a clear focus on transparency, accountability, and professionalism in its operations. The aim is to ensure that future efforts in road decongestion are efficient and free from corrupt practices.
The decision has been welcomed by many residents, who have long criticized the current system of road decongestion as being ineffective and prone to abuse. As the state looks to implement new strategies, there is hope that future road management will prioritize the public good and ensure fair treatment for all.
