Gov. Atiku Bagudu of Kebbi has intervened in the face-off between commercial motorcyclists and FRSC personnel, which led to blockage of highways in Birnin Kebbi.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the commercial motorcyclists on Friday blocked roads in the state capital to protest alleged arbitrary arrests and consistent confiscation of their motorcycles by road marshals.
The governor had to intervene before the motorcyclists moved away from the roads to allow free flow of traffic.
He pledged to investigate the matter and find lasting solution to the lingering problem.
Bagudu mandated relevant government agencies to hold consultations with the Sector Commander, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and the Commissioner of Police to find amicable resolution of the matter.
The governor, however, said even though the commercial motorcyclists were important to the state economy, they must learn to dialogue instead of engaging in illegal activities.
Bagudu, who said that the government would not ban commercial motorcycle operation as done in other states, cautioned them to always obey traffic rules and regulations.
The governor donated N1 million to the motorcyclists to cater for their welfare.
The Special Adviser to the governor on Power, Alhaji Yusuf Haruna-Rasheed, advised them to always channel their grievances through the leadership of their association, for amicable resolution.
Earlier, the state Chairman, Commercial Motorcyclists Association of Nigeria, Malam Nafi’u Zakari, told the governor that the protest was over alleged arbitrary arrest and confiscation of their motorcycles by the FRSC without violating any law.
He appreciated the governor for playing a fatherly role in the matter.
NAN
