GANTA, Nimba – The Liberia National Police is calling on the commercial motorcyclist in Ganta to desist from acts of violence, and act as law-abiding citizens.

The Superintendent of the Public Safety Department, Nelson Freeman, said at this crucial point in time with United Nations Mission in Liberia retreating from the country, all citizens must maintain the over 10 years of peace.

He made the call at a workshop in Ganta on Road Safety for taxicab drivers, motorcyclists and the general public.

“The UNMIL drawdown is very cardinal to all of us. The safety, protection and security of the state lie in your hands,” he noted. “The police are your servants, you are the ones that empower the police to provide security to protect you. They do not do public safety alone. The police depend on you as the citizens to carry on public safety.”

Freeman said without the support and cooperation of citizens, the police would not do their jobs effectively, especially when it comes to public safety.

Police officers from the Traffic/Public Safety Department at the workshop. Photo: Augustine Dahn/Voice of Gompa

Freeman emphasized the importance of motorcyclists to maintaining peace and security. He said the police would commit to engaging the motorcyclists on a regular basis.

“Every community you want to go in and don’t know the way, just asked the motorcyclists, they will take you there,” he said. “That means that the motorcyclist got more important information that the police needs to work with them to show them the way,” Freeman noted.

While recognizing the motorcyclists’ role in peace and security, Freeman called on them to avoid violence that could undermine the country’s fragile peace. He said mob violence and lawlessness were not conducive to peace.

“When something happens, report it to the police. Let’s live within the rule of law; we all must abide by the rule of law,” Freeman said.

He said citizens must exercise restraint in instances of accidents and not go about burning down vehicles or attacking the vehicle’s operator.

A view of participants at the workshop. Photo: Augustine Dahn/Voice of Gompa

Freeman promised to work to lift the 8 p.m. motorcycle curfew that had been put in place since the mob violence activities of September 30.

Featured photo by Augustine Dahn/Voice of Gompa