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Terrorism: Rejig security apparatus instead of banning us, Okada operators tell FG

By Joke Falaju, Abuja
26 July 2022   |   4:08 am
Motorcycle operators (popularly known as Okada) have advised the Federal Government to perish the idea of a blanket ban on their operations and rejig the security architecture to tackle Nigeria’s security challenge.

•Decision to worsen poverty, ActionAid warns
Motorcycle operators (popularly known as Okada) have advised the Federal Government to perish the idea of a blanket ban on their operations and rejig the security architecture to tackle Nigeria’s security challenge.

Speaking under the aegis of Amalgamated Commercial Tricycle and Motorcycle Owners, Repairs and Riders Association of Nigeria (ACOMORAN), they warned that the proposed embargo of commercial motorcycles as part of measures to tackle insecurity would not only throw 40 million Nigerians into the job market, but also create the worst monster after terrorism.

Government, through the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, had announced that the National Security Council, chaired by President Muhammadu Buhari, might be compelled to ban motorcycles and mining activities, arguing that it was becoming a major means of movement by bandits and source of amassing ransom from kidnapped victims.

Briefing journalists, yesterday, in Abuja, National President of ACOMORAN, Samsudeen Apelogun, noted that their membership base stands at 12 million nationwide, with six million adequately registered.

He urged government that the move would be counter-productive on the long run.

Apelogun equally warned of the economic and security implications, saying besides impoverishing millions of Nigerians, it would further compound the social vices the government is trying to contain.

He contended that bigger crimes were being committed through use of cars and buses, adding that majority of the motorcycle operators do not live in the forests and ply their trade majorly in the cities.

The ACOMORAN boss said government lacks effective security architecture, hence should overhaul intelligence-gathering mechanism, rather than create another monster that would compound the situation.

SIMILARLY, ActionAid Nigeria cautioned that the move would worsen the nation’s multi-dimensional poverty index and security situation.

Although the body agreed that the ban might cut the supply of logistics and source of funds for purchase of arms for the terrorists, it, however, said there must be well thought-out alternatives to lessen effects of the attendant loss of livelihoods on the affected persons.

The group, in a statement, observed: “Regardless of the means being considered for the proposed ban on Okada riders, artisanal and small-scale miners, it must be implemented in a way that will not further worsen the country’s dire economic situation.”

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