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… As Council Boss Wades In
Commercial motorcycle operators, popularly called ‘Okada,’ have resolved to continue to work in peace and harmony with men of the Nigeria Police force operating within Khana Local Government Area and its environs.
This followed the intervention of the council chairman, Barr Lateh Loloo, over their complaints.
Speaking during a meeting with over one thousand members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Okada Chapter, and top security agencies, at the council headquarters in Bori, Barr Loloo maintained that he was aware of their complaints and challenges, stressing that the issue of extortion raised by the union will be amicably resolved with the authority concerned.
He pleaded with the Okada riders to continue with the spirit of peaceful co-existence instead of taking to crime and other negative vices in the society.
Barr. Loloo said though their complaints were genuine, he however advised the commercial cyclists to always ensure their particulars are complete and genuine so as to avoid issues that can bring them into confrontation with officials of the Nigeria Police force in the area, adding that as the council chairman, he will continue to work with members of the union and ensure they are adequately protected in their businesses.
Earlier, chairman of the Okada union Khana local Government chapter, Comrade Mathew Geoffrey Inee, had told the gathering that the level of extortion perpetrated by some officials of the Nigeria Police Force in the area was one too much, stressing that a situation an Okada rider conveying only one passenger, have to pay one hundred naira (100) at each junction and road block by the police leaves much to be desired, while asking how much will be left for fuel and upkeep of the rider’s family.
Comrade Inee maintained that it was very worrisome that as commercial motorcyclists who engage in carrying passengers to their various destinations, they are subjected to ugly situations that they ought ordinarily not to be, adding that a situation where they pick a passenger from Bonu-Baaha Juction, or the Bridge between Bianu/Bera or Lure, to an adjoining environ, and have to cough out money at each police check point, is really affecting them.
He said though they were not against the Police carrying out their lawful duties, but that the manner in which some of the policemen carry out their duty was greatly disappointing and in variance with the union members’ lawful operation within the LGA.
Responding, the Divisional Police Officer in charge of Khana Local Government Area, Bako, denied that he was not aware of the actions of some of the men, but appealed to the Okada men to see what has happened as an issue in the past.
He promised to reach out to other men of the command to ensure their (Okada raiders) complaints are being responded to and a stop put to it.
He maintained that he was happy with the way Okada riders conducted themselves, promising that as the officer in charge of the area, he will continue with other security agencies to ensure Khana Local Government Area is safe and calm for investors and those doing business and living in the area.
Also, the head of the SSS in the area, Mr. Osubo George, said the issue of peace and security in the area was very paramount, as he appealed to the Okada riders to always report suspicious movement of persons to law enforcement agents.
