The Governor of Imo State, Owelle Anayo Rochas Okorocha has extended the deadline given to commercial tricycle operators in the state, aka Keke operators, to September 30.
This was disclosed in a press release circulated to media houses which stated that the Keke riders can operate till the end of this month, giving them time to prepare a plan B, as against the initial plan which had stated that the operators were to vacate the city today.
Though details were not provided in the press release, sources said the extension was given because the state government was not yet ready with alternatives for the numerous Keke operators that will be thrown out of their means of livelihood with this quit notice.
It was gathered that the state government did not want a repeat of the backlash that followed the demolition of Eke Ukwu Owerri basically as a result of the non-provision of alternative shops for the traders.
Sources said government was concerned that the number of vehicles provided as alternative for the keke riders was not enough and this could lead to unpalatable backlash that could be too much for the government to bear.