A’Ibom justifies motorcycle ban

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Jevans Nyabiage 29 June 2011 Nairobi — The cost of borrowing is set to rise following the move by the Central Bank of Kenya to raise the rate at which it lends money to commercial banks from 6.25 per cent to 8 per cent. Commercial banks borrow from the Central Bank through the so-called central bank rate (CBR) overnight window. Wednesday's increase in the CBR to 8 per cent was the strongest signal so far to commercial banks that Central Bank wants lending rates to start moving upwards

The Akwa Ibom State Government on Wednesday explained the reasons behind its decision to ban motorcycles from the state capital, Uyo.

Acting Governor of the State, Mr. Nsima Ekere, who announced the ban in Uyo on Tuesday, said the government had no other choice.

He said, “We were forced to take the decision to check the spate of armed robbery, kidnapping and other heinous crimes that were being perpetrated by some unscrupulous persons using motorcycles.

“We cannot afford to fold our hands while these criminals continue to destroy life and property of innocent citizens.”

Though he said the decision was made in consultation with the Akwa Ibom Professional and Commercial Motorcycle Association, some motorcyclists and residents expressed fear that the move would only worsen the situation.

A resident, who said her name was Eforo Eto, said, “Residents should not be surprised if they begin to witness an unprecedented rate of armed robbery in the state”.

Reacting to the outcry against the ban, Ekere said the government had taken measures to ensure that the ban did not create more problems for the people.

He explained that as part of efforts to check the effect of the decision, the state government had released 200 tricycles for use within the city.

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A’Ibom justifies motorcycle ban