The Association of Mass Transit Operators in Ebonyi has appealed to Governor David Umahi for a six-month grace period before relocating to the government-approved site, accusing Ebonyi government officials of damaging vehicles belonging to AMTO’s members.

The operators noted that they would need time to make the new location conducive for business.

Fredrick Nwogbaga, the association’s chair, and Franklin Okpani, Peace Mass Transit manager, made the appeal on Thursday in Abakaliki while interacting with journalists.

They said the grace period if granted, would enable them to put the place in order.

Mr Nwogbaga said that despite their present parks were sealed off while some vehicles were damaged by government officials enforcing the relocation, AMTO members remained calm.

He pleaded with Mr Umahi to consider their request.

“The (new) place seems like a desert now. We need offices to operate with; fencing of the premises and provision of conveniences for our patrons. All these are needed before we talk about the security of our customers and the safety of their belongings,” Mr Nwogbaga explained.

Meanwhile, the Capital City Development commissioner, Onyekachi Nwebonyi, said, “I am advising them to relocate because it is for their own good.”

On October 5, the ministry compelled the mass transit operators to relocate from Afikpo Street to a central motor park situated at the Magaret Umahi International Market.

(NAN)