The governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, has ordered trailer and tanker drivers who park along the busy Azikiwe Road, close to the Government House in Port Harcourt, to move their trucks to Iriebe Trailer Park in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area.
Governor Wike explained that the directive was necessary to ensure public safety and peace in the state capital.
The governor, who spoke while inaugurating two task forces to clear Iriebe Trailer Park and implement the 'no-parking order' along Azikiwe Road and adjoining streets, said it was unsafe for tankers loaded with refined petroleum products or waiting to lift petroleum products to park along Azikiwe and adjoining streets.
“It is unwise and unsafe to allow trailers that carry refined petroleum products, which are inflammable, to continue to park along roads and streets that witness heavy traffic daily," the governor stated.
“We must also take into consideration the hundreds of thousands of commuters that ply the roads and streets daily. It is the duty of government to protect the lives and property of its citizens.
“I want you to begin work on Monday at the latest. You should liaise with the chief of staff on the cost implication of clearing Iriebe Trailers Park so that you can swing into action as soon as possible.”