From Olanrewaju Lawal, Birnin Kebbi
Governor Abubakar Atiku Bagudu of Kebbi State has pacified aggrieved commercial motorcyclists, known as ‘Kabu-Kabu’ who embarked on protest on the highways in Birnin Kebbi against actions of the Federal Road Safety Commission(FRSC).
The motorcyclists were protesting against what they referred to as arbitrary arrest and confiscation of their motorcycles consistently by the Road Safety Commission.
Addressing the operators at the Government House Birnin Kebbi, Bagudu assured them that, he would investigate the matter and find lasting solution to the problem.
Bagudu mandated officials of government relevant agencies to hold wide consultations with the Sector Commander of the Road Safety Commission and the Commissioner of Police to find an amicable resolution to the matter.
The Governor said 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 stop over at designated points to engage them into dialogue and enhance their wellbeing.
Bagudu drew their attention to the fact that his administration has not banned the activities of commercial motorcyclists 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.
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.
He was emphatic that Kabu-kabu operators in Kebbi State have been identified as peace lovers, urging them to uphold the tempo and donated one million naira to the members of the association to cater for their wellfare.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Power Alhaji Yusuf Haruna Rasheed who also addressed the commercial motorcyclists , said Governor Bagudu has at all times defended their rights and privileges, saying that they are known as law abiding citizens .
Rasheed advised them to always channel their grievances through the leadership of their association for amicable solution.
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 .
They thanked Governor Bagudu for his fatherly care and requested his intervention into the matter.