Association of the All Nigerians Autobike Commercial Owners & Workers Association, ANACOWA, has kicked against the proposed ban on activities of commercial motorcycles operators Nationwide. saying that the policy will cause more harm to the society than good.
The operators noted that all over the world, emphasis are being focused on how to reduce poverty and address the social problems of the people, not increasing them by inflicting hardship on people.
In a joint press conference, ANACOWA with Civil Liberties Organisations (CLO) urged the Commander-In-Chief of Armed Forces, and President of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari to stop the proposed plan as it noted the direction the government is taking would not solve the security challenges it is set to tackle.
ANACOWA is one of the many motorcycles association in Nigeria affiliated to the National Union of Road Transport Workers, NURTW, with membership strength of over 36 million.
“If this population is added to the members of the other mushroom associations that are many nationwide, then trouble is coming.
The group on Wednesday in Lagos at a press conference described the measure as a totally wrong prescription, noting that motorcycles riding and mining had been in existence long before terrorism reared it ugly head in the country.
While addressing journalists, Commander Emmanuel Deji, the National President, ANACOWA expressed concern on the likely effect of the proposed plan on their members and their dependents.
He stated that it would only bring about hardship on the masses and gives tempo to increase in crimes and criminality.
According to him, “It is a fact that security of any society is sacrosanct, we cannot take our security for granted. It is a statement of fact if we say that the country is in bad shape in term of security, some of the operators of Okada Nationwide are graduates from various University and unable to secure a legitimate and gainful employment but found solace in Okada business, yet the government is planning to take the job from them without any alternative.
“What do we think it would become millions of Okada operators if the plan is to be enforced? It would be a serious security risk,” he explained.
Also enumerating the economic implication, as well as giving recommendations, Deji said, “All over the world, emphasis are being focused on how to reduce poverty and address the social problems of the people, not increasing them, using the people’s resources to accord joy to the citizens, not loot, then not assault them, provide social amenities and reduce agonies, not augment them, provide employment, not hardship to people.
