Scores of tricycle operators, popularly known as keke, yesterday staged a protest in different parts of Owerri metropolis against a ban placed on them by the officials of the state-owned Environmental Transformation Commission (ENTRACO). The commission ordered them not to operate within the capital city from December1.

They also expressed misgivings that the State Governor, Rochas Okorocha, could not address them on Monday as announced.

Also, visually-impaired persons had on Monday staged their own protest. The obstructed vehicular and human traffic in the capital city, especially in front of the venue of the swearing in of the new 28 commissioners, Imo International Convention Centre (IICC), Owerri.

They accused the state government of not taking care of their welfare, insisting on an immediate release of subventions accruable to them, among other packages. They also demanded that school for the blind be built.

Protesting keke operators allegedly destroyed vehicles belonging to the officials of the ENTRACO. They blocked roads leading to the Government House.

The governor had directed the ban from October, but he later extended it to December 1. (The Guardian)