Gov. Buni warns against breach of peace as tricycle drivers protest extortion
Story from Ibraheem EL-TAFSEER
The Executive Governor of Yobe State, Mai Mala Buni, CON, has warned any act capable of breaching public peace in the state.
The Governor is reacting to a protest that rocked Damaturu, the Yobe State capital, by the Association of tricycle drivers (NAPEP) over alleged extortion by the Yobe State Road Transport Agency (YOROTA).
The operators claim that their members have been subjected to high levels of harassment by YOROTA personnel who also charge exorbitant fines for minor traffic offenses.
Members of the Keke Napep association, who spoke to journalists in Damaturu, expressed their frustration over the situation.
They highlighted the unjust treatment they face and the financial burden imposed on them by YOROTA.
As a result of the strike action, commuters, including students, civil servants, school children, and the general public, have been severely affected, being forced to walk long distances to reach their destinations, affecting those who are already struggling in the current difficult economic climate.
Furthermore, the strike has had a detrimental effect on local businesses and schools, especially for those located far from their employees’ or students’ residences.
Meanwhile, efforts to contact the YOROTA agency for their perspective were unsuccessful, as multiple phone calls went unanswered at the time of writing this report.
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In a statement issued by Mamman Mohammed, Director General, Press, and Media Affairs to the Yobe Governor, revealed that Governor Buni gave the directive, saying government will not compromise safety and security of its citizens for anything.
He said government shall stand firm against anything and anyone that disrupts the relative peace and harmony enjoyed across the state.
“We have had very bitter experience of breach of peace for quite a long time in the state. We can not afford to have any more.
“We are recovering from a protracted security challenge. We must avoid any issue capable of threatening our hard earned peace, ” Governor Buni advised.
He charged members of organisations, and associations to always channel their grievances through constituted authorities and must not take laws into their hands.
Governor Buni also admonished parents and guardians to advise their wards on the dangers of causing disaffection and disrupting public peace, saying that the government would deal with anyone who constituted a threat to public peace.
Meanwhile, Governor Buni has directed the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Baba Malam Wali, heads of security agencies, Yobe State Road Transport Agency (YOROTA) and the leadership of Tricycle (Keke Napep) Commercial Operators Association to draw a clear and ensure additional measures that guarantees the security of the citizens, and to improve the operations of tricycle commercial operators across the state.
He said the measures should resolve all areas of differences between Keke Napep operators, YOROTA, and security agencies to improve safety, and harmony among road users and the regulators.
