
INFLATION RATE AS SOURCE OF ‘COMMERCIAL MOTORCYCLE OPERATION’ ACROSS TOWNS AND CITIES, NOW A CONCERN

To ensure all hope isn’t lost, some citizens engaged themselves with commercial motorcycle operations in an effort made to ensure there is food on the table. However, considering their mode of operation it’s understood there should be control or regulatory measure put in place to ensure this area of transportation business is eco-friendly, which could’ve been the trajectory of things. But that isn’t the case, instead, it’s a story of concern viewed from the point of societal fairness and human right denial.
Funny enough, there isn’t a word about it in the press release, yet exploitation is at its peak. Although, there are traffic laws and regulations which serve as checks over the use of motorcycles on the roads precisely for commercial purpose. But the concern here is, why these categories of unemployed are viewed as an object of a potential target. And what is the rationale?
To make ends meet, it became necessary that these citizens should move in this direction, this saw motorcycles commercialized which is deployed to transport individuals including deliverable items. However, not only have these motorcycles been deployed for this purpose which eventually became a substitute for unemployment. It’s also evident, it ensures harsh financial outcomes aren’t the case, as such, the need to face the challenges and the risk eventually became the answer to their situation that is before them on a daily basis.
Looking at the looming unemployment rate, it’s obvious this has really made things uneasy for many, precisely the industrious and creative ones. In view of this, one could see that it’s rather unfair to have these sets of citizens seeking their bread behind bars, simply because of societal denial. However, it goes to show, a bunch of factors isn’t clear as regards the subject. On the other hand, looking at the current climate, there isn’t a sign the rights to citizens’ basics would be addressed anytime soon.
Meanwhile, the subject concern (commercial motorcycle) has left some of us with multiple questions. Is their patriotic act and service seen as a concern for cities like Lagos or could it be that several traffic rules are breached on daily basis! However, it should be noted that the motorcycles in question were either acquired or hired by these youths and adults, yet the law enforcement officials such as the police have not restrained from doubling down in making sure anyone apprehended precisely by dodgy police, goes behind bars. Nonetheless, the permutation behind throwing one into prisons has remained unclear.
It may interest you to know that these commercial motorcycle operators otherwise known as ‘Okada’ one way or the other have lost hope in the system they found themselves, but somehow manage to acquire these motorcycles which serve as their tools and ‘offices’. Some, on the other hand, operate on the basis of hire purchase, while some hire motorcycles on a daily basis.
“Patriotism means to stand by the country. It does not mean to stand by the President or any other public official.” – Theodore Roosevelt
Howbeit, in order to wrap things here, it will be fair to leave you with a case. But prior to that, it was also figured out based on the observation that the citizens in question are often required to part with something (purchase tickets issued by LG officials and other self-acclaimed road-side hustlers) aim to enable their daily operation, yet there isn’t a word about it in the press release that some of these commercial motorcycle operators are graduates whom actually gave into such adventure to ensure all hope isn’t dashed.

“Disobedience is the true foundation of liberty.” ― Henry David Thoreau
AMINU’S CASE:
You may not be clarified yet, but am certain Aminu’s case will certainly give a clearer picture of this subject.
This victim, who resides in Lagos, aged within the range of eighteen and early twenties, had actually hailed from the Northern part of the country, this time, not educated. However, in one of my prison visits, he narrated his ordeal. According to him, it all happened while going about his business in this regard (commercial motorcycle operation) and in this particular occasion had two passengers on board, though not at night. Unfortunately, in a bid to make that trip a smart one, he decided to navigate his way via a street he wasn’t familiar with, which eventually turned out a street that has a police station.
That was rather the least he had predicted, suddenly along the axis, he got stopped by a set of policemen. Yet, the subject victim thought the situation would’ve turned out positive and predicted the least, but unknown he had a lot coming. Eventually, it all became clearer when he was asked to let go of his passengers and had his motorcycle impounded. And what was the calculus, he had two passengers on board.
The whole story eventually became clear when he was told he’s faced with two options – a fine of five thousand Naira (#5,000) or forfeit his motorcycle. Should he fail to meet up with the fine! His motorcycle would be moved to a different police unit. However, reports have it that non-compliant with police immediate demand had equally seen some victims end up in prison.
- So, what’s your take on commercial motorcycle operators’ concerns?
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