The Rivers State Government has disbanded all Local Government and Ministry of Transport taskforce on road decongestion.

The move Is aimed at addressing widespread complaints of harassment and extortion of motorists by operatives.

The decision was announced in a statement signed by the Commissioner for Transport, Collins Onunwo, on Tuesday, stressing that the decision reflects the administration?s commitment to prioritising the safety and well-being of residents.

The disbandment comes after a viral video showed a woman being harassed and extorted of N40,000 by taskforce officials along Ada George Road.

He added that the move Is a significant step towards addressing the concerns of residents and promoting a safer and more orderly transportation system in the state.

The government condemned any form of harassment, intimidation, or extortion under the guise of taskforce operations.

The statement reads: ?In response to widespread complaints from residents of Port Harcourt regarding harassment and extortion by officials of various taskforces on road decongestion, and following the circulation of a viral video depicting a woman being harassed and extorted of forty thousand naira by taskforce officials along Ada George Road, the Rivers State Government has taken immediate action.

?The Honourable Commissioner for Transport, Collins Onunwo, hereby announces the immediate disbandment of all local government and Ministry of Transport taskforces on road decongestion operating across the state.

?This decision reflects the commitment of the administration of His Excellency, Governor Siminialayi Fubara, to maintaining a governance approach with a human face, prioritizing the safety and well-being of Rivers State residents. The government unequivocally condemns any form of harassment, intimidation, or extortion under the guise of taskforce operations?.

According to the Commissioner, a new taskforce will be reconstituted at an appropriate time, ensuring transparency, efficiency, and accountability in its operations.

In the meantime, residents are urged to remain vigilant and report any further acts of harassment to the appropriate authorities. (Daily Independent)

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