By Peter Dansu Commercial motorcycle operators in Badagry Local Government have rejected the alleged reintroduction of the rider’s card, sa...
By Peter Dansu
Commercial motorcycle operators in Badagry Local Government have rejected the alleged reintroduction of the rider’s card, saying the scheme had previously been rejected by riders following the Lagos State Government’s ban and restrictions on motorcycle operations in parts of the state.
The concern was raised by two motorcycle riders’ associations, the Motorcycle Operators Association of Lagos State (MOALS) and the Nagari Nakowa Motorcycle Owners and Riders Association of Lagos (NNAMORAL).
The rider’s card was an identification card previously issued to commercial motorcycle operators. However, the associations said its use was rejected by riders following the introduction of restrictions and bans on motorcycle operations in some parts of Lagos State.
According to CityMood, the associations alleged that a man identified as Monday Whesu was now asking commercial motorcycle riders in Badagry to obtain and pay for the card, which they claimed was being presented as having government backing.
Speaking with CityMood, the Badagry Zonal Chairman of NNAMORAL, Chief Bonu Monday, said the associations were opposed to the reintroduction of the card and would not want their members compelled to obtain it.
Chief Bonu questioned the basis for reintroducing and collecting money for the rider’s card when motorcycle operations remain restricted under existing Lagos State Government policies.
He described the situation as a case of double standards, arguing that it was contradictory for riders to face restrictions on motorcycle operations while allegedly being asked to pay for identification cards meant for commercial motorcycle operators.
According to him, the associations had taken their concerns to the Chairman of Badagry Local Government, Hon. Babatunde Hunpe, who they claimed said he was not aware of the alleged reintroduction.
He added that the associations had also met with the Divisional Police Officer in the area to inform the police about the development and communicate their opposition to the proposed reintroduction.
The motorcycle operators expressed concern that the matter could create tension among riders in Badagry if not properly addressed.
They also alleged that issues surrounding the rider’s card often emerge during election periods and expressed suspicion that the latest development could have political undertones.
The associations further alleged that Whesu is a member of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party and claimed that the move could be intended to create tension capable of affecting the ruling All Progressives Congress in Lagos State.
The allegations could not be independently verified.
The associations have therefore appealed to the Lagos State Government and political leaders in Badagry to intervene and clarify the situation before it escalates.
They called on the Lagos State Governor, Lagos State APC Chairman, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, APC political leader in Badagry Local Government, Hon. Joseph Bamgbose, and other political and community leaders to intervene.
Chief Bonu warned that any attempt to allegedly compel members of the associations to obtain the rider’s card against their wishes could lead to a crisis.
He said the agitation was intended to draw the attention of relevant authorities to the alleged reintroduction and ensure that the matter was resolved peacefully.
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