The pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere has flayed the plan by the federal government to ban commercial motorcycles popularly known as Okada and mining activities purportedly to curb insecurity.
The organisation in a statement signed by its national publicity secretary, Comrade Jare Ajayi, stated that government was wrong on its limiting logistical sources of terrorists to mining and commercial motorcycling, saying, “it is hardly surprising therefore that its prescription is so fatally wrong!”
Afenifere noted that such a position indicated that availability of motorcycles was what had been fueling terrorism – along with mining activities that he also mentioned.
Picking hole in the decision, Afenifere stated that motorcycle riding and mining had been in existence long before terrorism reared its head.
“Also, to suppose that banning these activities would put a stop to terrorism is not only a wishful thinking, it amounts to an induced self-delusion that can only complicate the ailment that one is suffering from, ” Afenifere said.
While conceding that terrorists are using motorcycles in their dastardly acts, the organisation argued that if motorcycles were not available, they would use some other means.
They added that the vehicle being used by terrorists is not what government should focus its attention on but making sure that terrorism is taking out of the hearts of its perpetrators.
The organisation noted that the attorney general went further to say that banning motorcycles may affect only 20 per cent of Nigerians and that such people should be ready to make sacrifices for the remaining population.
It noted that the impression is lame and betrays how much value those in authority place on the lives of Nigerians.
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