Abia State Government has appealed to its citizens to cooperate with State authorities mandated to enforce the ban on commercial motorcycle operations within designated areas of Umuahia, Aba and Ohafia metropolis.

The Commissioner for Information, Okey Kanu made the appeal in a statement he issued on Sunday to announce the formal enforcement of the ban on commercial motorcycle operations.

The State government while acknowledging that thousands of Abia citizens depend on commercial motorcycle business as means of livelihood, said that the policy was designed for security and safety of lives and property, adding that the decision was applied in the overriding interests of all citizens.

The State further promised to be fair and professional in the enforcement exercise.

It said that defaulters of the policy would now pay N20,000 fine, as against the earlier N50,000 it previously announced.

Under the policy, all private and commercial motorcycles and tricycle (Keke) in the State are to be registered and duly documented, while private motorcycle operators are not allowed to carry a passenger.

Also, all motorcycles impounded by law enforcement agencies are to to released to their owners after the registration, verification, documentation and other statutory requirements.

The State government further urged all the citizens to report any extortion, abuse or other forms of misconduct by Task Force officials to the State, using provided phone lines.