By Ebi Kesiena
Tricycle Riders Association in Bayelsa State have insisted that youths in the state are hardworking and law abiding.
The Association consists of about 5,000 registered indigenous youths who operate tricycle in the state.
Speaking during the opening of their new office in Yenagoa the state capital, Human Rights Activist, Mr David West said the youths of the association are in business to make a living for themselves and their families.
Mr West used the opportunity to call on the Bayelsa State Government, particularly the Ministry of Transport, to give the association the needed support, stressing that they are not in competition with any other association in the state.
He equally advised the members of the association to carry out their daily duties peacefully and channel any grievances to the appropriate authorities for further action.
Also speaking, a legal practitioner, Barr. Ken Okorodas noted that the association is duly registered, hence they have the right and mandate to operate within Bayelsa state.
Barr. Okorodas explained that as an association, it also has the legal right to collect funds and dues from their members as a form of revenue generation.
Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association, Sagbama branch, Barr. George Ebinyu, while officially opening the BITRA office, commended the association saying the move shows that Ijaw youths are industrious, ready to engage themselves meaningful rather than being involved in violent activities.
On his part, Chairman of the association, Comrade Afori Okilo said the essence of having an office is to coordinate the activities of their members and address all complaints and issues that may arise from the general public and members of the association.
The Indigenous Tricycle Riders Association office is located at Ekeki Motor Park, Seriake Dickson Plaza, Room 11. It is open to the residents of the state and lost items in tricycles can be recovered by their owners in the office.
