By Okechukwu Onuegbu
Anambra State Police Commissioner, Mr Aderemi Adeoye, Sunday, said the command would never relent in protecting and safeguarding Keke Drivers (commercial tricyclists) against any form of intimidation and abuse from criminals.
Adeoye, who disclosed this in Awka, the State capital, at a new year party he organised to celebrate the Anambra State Keke Drivers Forum (AKDF), described Keke operators as partners in progress with vast knowledge of society and its populace.
According to him, protecting the Keke drivers would assist the law enforcement agents in combating crimes because they (Keke drivers) convey all kinds of persons to the nooks and crannies of the State at all times.
He, therefore, urged them to feel free to divulge relevant security information to the law enforcement agents as they would equally be protected as anonymous sources in order to make the society liveable and prosperous.
"It is important we partner with you because you are everywhere. You are amiable partners. We want to build bridges of understanding so that police will not be problem to you but will help you to solve your problems. Our responsibility is to protect and safeguard everyone in society. Keke riders are part of the society. We want to let you know you that you are very important parts of the society.
" We won't allow anyone to intimidate you. You are not second class citizens. Every right in the constitution others enjoy you will also enjoy. We will not condone anyone violating your rights. Your rights will always be protected and. Kindly channel whatever grouse you have against the police or society to my office through your leader," he further maintained.
On his part, the Coordinator, AKDF, Comrade Osita Obi, commended the police for the partnership assuring that Keke operators in Anambra State would become law abiding citizens in order to sustain the relationship and rid the State of crimes and criminalities.
Obi, however, appealed to the force to beam its security satellite across some identified streets and locations where touts molest and extort from Keke drivers and other unsuspecting citizens in broad daylight.