Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has directed the Abia State Traffic and Safety Management Agency (ARTSMA) and the Abia State Harmonised Taskforce to extend their daily operations until 10:00 p.m., including weekends, as part of efforts to improve road safety across the state.

The governor also instructed the two agencies to deploy additional personnel and operational resources along major roads to ensure that traffic offenders are identified and sanctioned in accordance with the law.

Otti gave the directive on Thursday during the unveiling of the second batch of 20 electric buses at the Nnenna Oti Bus Terminal in Umuahia.

Expressing concern over reckless driving and traffic violations, the governor warned motorists against impatience and dangerous road behaviour, stressing that the government would no longer tolerate actions that put lives and property at risk.

He disclosed that an independent monitoring team would be established to oversee the enforcement of the new operational directive and assess the agencies' level of compliance.

"I will set up an independent team to monitor how strictly this directive is enforced with a view to determining the next line of action," Otti said.

He added, "May I say it one more time that nobody has any right to endanger the lives and property of others through acts of recklessness, impatience or poor judgement."

The governor also advised drivers of the newly introduced electric buses to adhere strictly to operational guidelines and avoid overloading the vehicles.

Otti noted that the commencement of operations at the Central Bus Terminal in Umuahia has contributed to restoring order and professionalism within the state's transport system.

He further explained that the introduction of electric buses forms part of the government's efforts to reduce environmental pollution caused by vehicle emissions while providing residents with a cleaner, more efficient and cost-effective means of transportation.