Commercial motorcycle operators in Badagry Local Government have rejected the alleged reintroduction of the rider’s card, describing the development as inconsistent with existing restrictions on motorcycle operations in parts of Lagos State.
The concern was raised by two riders’ associations, the Motorcycle Operators Association of Lagos State (MOALS) and Nagari Nakowa Motorcycle Owners and Riders Association of Lagos (NNAMORAL). The associations alleged that one Monday Whesu had been asking commercial motorcycle operators in Badagry to obtain and pay for the card, which they claimed was being presented as government-backed.
Speaking with CityMood, the Badagry Zonal Chairman of NNAMORAL, Chief Bonu Monday, said the associations were opposed to the alleged reintroduction and would not want their members compelled to obtain the card.
Bonu questioned the rationale behind collecting money for a rider’s identification card when motorcycle operations remained restricted under existing Lagos State Government policies. He described the situation as “double standards” and called for clarification from the appropriate authorities.
He said the associations had raised the matter with the Chairman of Badagry Local Government, Hon. Babatunde Hunpe, who, according to him, said he was not aware of the alleged reintroduction. He added that the associations had also informed the Divisional Police Officer in the area about the development.
The operators expressed concern that the issue could create tension among riders if not properly addressed. They also alleged that controversies surrounding the rider’s card had emerged during election periods in the past and expressed suspicion that the latest development could have political undertones.
The associations further alleged that Whesu was a member of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and claimed that the development might be intended to create tension capable of affecting the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State. The allegations could not be independently verified.
The associations appealed to the Lagos State Government and political leaders in Badagry to intervene and clarify the situation. They specifically called on the Lagos State Governor, APC State Chairman, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, APC political leader in Badagry Local Government, Hon. Joseph Bamgbose, and other stakeholders to address the matter.
Bonu warned that any attempt to compel members of the associations to obtain the rider’s card against their wishes could lead to a crisis, stressing that their agitation was aimed at drawing the attention of relevant authorities to the alleged development and ensuring its peaceful resolution.
CC: CityMood Badagry
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