Governor Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu of Niger State yesterday raised the alarm on an alleged plot to destabilise the state, following the ban on the operation of commercial motorcycles also known as okada in the state.
The state government had begun the implementation of the ban on commercial motorcycles in the state capital, Minna, on January 2, 2014.
He alleged that the plot was being hatched by some prominent personalities, who have lost out in the power equation in the state.
The governor’s allegation was contained in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Malam Danladi Ndayebo.
The statement alleged that a protest was being organized by a group of key political figures including members of the opposition.
It reads: “The government of Niger State condemns this cheap blackmail by these disgruntled politicians, who have lost out of the power game and are clutching at anything to remain relevant”.
Aliyu said the government acted responsibly in the interest of the public, stressing that his administration would not repeal the law banning the use of Okada in the state capital.
The governor reiterated the conviction that the advantages of the newly introduced tricycles known as ‘KEKE TALBAN’ far outweigh those of motorcycles, stressing that no responsible government would fold its arms and watch its citizens perish in avoidable road accidents involving commercial motorcyclists.
“There is no need to politicise the issues on ground, because innocent residents, irrespective of their party affiliation, suffer greatly, with some, even losing their lives, often times when accidents involving motorcycles occur”, he said.
