Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha has reversed the directive by the State Commissioner of Transport, Hon Lasbrey Okoroafaoranyanwu over exorbitant cost charged on drivers of taxi cabs and bus drivers in Owerri metropolis. The cab operators were directed to paint their vehicles with State government approved colours.
At a media briefing at Government House, Owerri, the Governor expressed dissatisfaction over the situation which he said was done without recourse to the hardship the masses are undergoing. He directed that henceforth all taxi operators should paint their cabs and buses anywhere of their choice.
On Monday, Owerri residents woke up to see a Special Taskforce which went after taxi and bus operators who failed to comply with government approved colours for their cabs. Some cab drivers alleged that the cost of painting the vehicles was exorbitant. Most of them left the streets thus forcing passengers to trek long distances and get stranded.
The Commissioner had reeled out new transport rules in line with the urban renewal programme of the State Government.
Efforts to speak to the Commissioner was futile as at press time.
