The Cross River State House of Assembly has urged the State Government to constitute Motorcycle Monitoring Agency which is empowered to implement the provisions of Law No. 7 of 2005.
The House adopted the resolution after the conclusion of debate on a motion presented by the Member representing Bakassi State Constituency, Hon. Eyo Bassey Edet.
The Lawmaker informed the Assembly that despite the ban earlier imposed on commercial motorcycles, defaulters are still operating along major routes including the Murtala Mohamed Highway and Marian Road.
Edet recalled that in 2005, the administration of the former Governor, Donald Duke, had given accent to Law No 7 of 2005 which, amongst other provisions, placed a ban on the operations of commercial motorcycles along major routes in Calabar metropolis, and also recommended the inauguration of the of the Motorcycle Monitoring Agency which is saddled with the responsibility of monitoring the operators of commercial motorcycles.
According to the Lawmaker, the presence of commercial motorcycles on major roads in the metropolis is inimical to road safety and peace as some criminal elements use the motorcycle for criminal activities including armed robbery and kidnapping.
Also speaking, the Speaker of the Assembly, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, expressed dismay over the use of motorcycles for criminal activities and emphasized the need for the regulation of motorcycles within the metropolis in order to curb accidents and crime.
Other Members who also contributed to the debate lamented the unwholesome behaviour of some commercial motorcyclists and agreed that the matter deserves the urgent attention of the Government.
