BAGUDU AVERTS VIOLENT PROTESTS IN KEBBI
FROM : AYODELE AJOGE , BIRNIN-KEBBI.
Governor Abubakar Atiku Bagudu of Kebbi State last weekend prevented what would have turned out to be a bloody protests by the members of the Commercial Motorcyclists Association of Nigeria (CMAN) Birnin-Kebbi branch, otherwise known as "kabu-kabu operators across the the State over what they called constant harrasment of its members by Officers of the FRSC.
The motorcyclists protested against what they referred to as arbitrary arrest and confiscation of their motorcycles by the Road Safety Commission officers.
Addressing hundreds of them at the Government House Birnin Kebbi, Governor Bagudu gave an assurance that he would investigate the matter and find lasting solution to the problem.
The Governor therefore mandated officials of government relevant agencies to hold wide consultations with the Sector Commander of the FRSC and the Commissioner of Police to find an amicable resolution to the matter.
He pointed out that he had acknowledged the importance of commercial motorcyclists in the transportation sector and the economy of the society, explaining that on several occasions, he has made a stop over at designated points to engage them in dialogue and enhance their wellbeing.
The Governor affairs that his administration has not banned the activities of commercial motorcyclists in Kebbi State unlike other states which outlawed their operations.
He thanked them for their support and cooperation to the government but cautioned them to always operate within the confines of the law.
Senator Atiku Bagudu warned them to stop making U-turn inappropriately on the highways or crossing over the pavement to the next lane which he described as dangerous to other road users and themselves
The Chairman of the Association of Commercial motor-cyclist operators of Nigeria, Birnin Kebbi local Government, Malam Faruk Shehu Usman and the State Chairman of the association, Malam Nafiu Zakari narrated their grievances with the Road Safety Commission to the Governor which include arbitrary arrest and confiscation of their motorcycles without violating any law.