Ban on Commercial Motorcycles to Improve Security of Lives, Property, Says Niger Gov

By Laleye Dipo

The Niger State Governor, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello, has said that the government banned the operation of commercial motorcycles in Minna, the state capital, as part of efforts to improve the security of lives and property in the state.

Bello made the explanation in a message to the flag-off of a Joint Security Task Force for the enforcement of the order in Minna on Friday.

The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Alhaji Ahmed Mohammed Ketso, therefore asked for total compliance with the order.

The taskforce is made up of men of the Nigeria Police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Nigerian Army and men of the local vigilante.

Bello however urged members of the taskforce to discharge their duties with decorum and respect without infringing on the rights of those concerned.

“I urge you all not to carry out this exercise with impunity. You must maintain the rules of engagement.

“Whoever violates the ban should be prosecuted” he said, while also assuring the joint taskforce of government’s total support.

“Anybody who resists or disobeys the order, should be made to face the wrath of the law. We cannot afford to enact law for protection of lives and property and people will violate the law,” he said

In his remarks, the state Police Commissioner, Alhaji Adamu Usman, assured the state government that it’s policy on the ban will be enforced effectively and within the confines of the law.

The state government had Wednesday announced a total ban on the operation of commercial motorcycles in the state and also regulated the private use of motorcycles.

According to the government statement, private use of motorcycles is now from 6am to 9pm daily.

In the meantime, the state Chairman of the Amalgamated Commercial Motorcyle/Tricyle Owners Association of Nigeria, Shafi Ladan Maisara, has pleaded with the government to reconsider the decision in the interest of members of the association.

Maisara said thousands of people depend on commercial motorcycle operations for a living, adding that the ban will deprive them of a honest living.