Alleged Criminality: Okada Union to issue digital identification to members

*The Riders and Owners of Motorcycle Association of Nigeria explains the decision is to avoid outright ban by both the Federal and State Governments due to unregulated activities of commercial motorcyclists in the FCT, and  nationwide

Alexander Davis | ConsumerConnect

In a move to check alleged criminality among them, the Riders and Owners of Motorcycle Association of Nigeria (ROMAN) in the FCT, has disclosed plans to issue digital identification to members.

According to the association, this will go a long way to check criminality among them.

Alhaji Olusola Razaq, National President of the Union, in a statement issued Sunday, October 23, 2022, in Abuja, FCT, the development was echoed at a sensitisation meeting organised for ROMAN members at Karu, in the FCT.

Razaq also stated that the  Union’s decision is to avoid outright ban by the Federal and States governments owing to unregulated activities of commercial motorcyclists in the city centre.

According to him, the leadership had already engaged an ICT company that would carry out a digital image capturing of all members nationwide for proper Identification.

The ROMAN National President said: “The reason why we are here is to inaugurate the FCT Executives ahead of the national reforms as ordered by the Federal Government.

”And like I said, we have got a company that will create a database for our members to ensure proper Identification of all members since there are other existing unions across the country.

He further disclosed there are ongoing plans to seek the establishment of a National Regulation Act for the association from the National Assembly (NASS), in Abuja.

Razaq also stated that “the reason why the activities of commercial motorcyclists are despised is due to unregulated operations nationwide.

”Days are gone when Okada riders are used for political thuggry.

“Of course we know that the new INEC electoral Act does not give room for such anymore.”

He noted: “So our effort now is to ensure that Okada riders are well-sensitised like every other Nigerian who can also live their normal lives like good citizens of this country.

”We are also negotiating with the Federal Road Safety Commission and Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO) on the issue of members getting their number plates, to stop disobeying road rules, avoid road crashes and sudden deaths.”

Razaq stated: “We are also doing this to help millions of Nigerians get out of poverty because many families have waited for white collar jobs endlessly.

“So, what I am saying is that commercial motorcyclists have contributed and is still contributing in providing employment for youths.

“It will also interest you to know that we have set up National task force in each of the states we operate to ensure compliance.”

Comrade Maharazu Yahaya, ROMAN Chairman, FCT Chapter, said the exercise was in compliance with the strict order, mandating every commercial motorcycle association in the FCT to ensure proper regulations for its members or face outright ban.

Yahaya said that the inauguration of a new executive would ensure speedy response to all cases involving its members.

Habila Maikeffi, Nyanya Area Commander, advised motorcyclists to always obey road rules, with special emphasis on plying one-way to beat traffic gridlocks.

Maikeffi, while reiterating police readiness to carry out order from the FCT Police Commissioner, also advised the riders on the need to check their mental health, saying it was a bi-product of banned substances.

“I will like you all to carry out your daily commercial operations with clean health, not under the influence of hard drugs as such makes you to cause pandemonium at every little provocation,” stated Area Commander.

Dr. Bathelomeo Agbo,

Chairman of Karu Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC), urged the motorcyclists to always respect the law guiding their operations.

Agbo appealed for proper understanding among the riders and the leaders to ensure efficacy of all regulations, as such would enable them enjoy the business of commercial motorcycle to the benefit of their families.

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