Planned Okada Ban: FG must summon will to combat terrorism — Afenifere

By Adeleye Kunle

Afeni-fere, a pan-Yoruba socio-political organization, said on Friday that the Federal Government’s plan to ban commercial motorcycles and mining activities across the country to combat insecurity was further proof that deep or scientific thinking does not characterize how decisions are made in the corridors of power.

It will be remembered that when the federal government announced the plan on Thursday, July 21, 2022, the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Mr. Abubakar Malami, stated that “banning the use of motorcycles and mining activities will cut the supply of logistics to terrorists.”

In response to the plan, Afenifere’s National Publicity Secretary, Mr Jare Ajayi, said the federal government was incorrect in limiting terrorist logistical sources to mining and commercial motorcycling. He stated that such a position indicated that the availability of motorcycles known as Okada was what was fueling terrorism, along with mining activities, which he also mentioned.

Afeni-fere spokesman criticized the move, claiming that motorcycle riding and mining had existed long before terrorism and could not have been responsible for terrorism.

“To believe that prohibiting these activities would put an end to terrorism is not only wishful thinking; it amounts to an induced self-delusion that can only aggravate the ailment that one is suffering from,” he said. Pursuing that line means abandoning the substance in order to chase the shadow.”

While admitting that terrorists use motorcycles in their heinous acts, he claims that if motorcycles are not available, they will use other means. Thus, rather than focusing on the vehicle used by terrorists, the government should focus on ensuring that terrorism is eradicated from the hearts of its perpetrators.”

Furthermore, he stated, “The Attorney General went on to say that the ban on motorcycles may affect only 20% of Nigerians and that such people should be willing to make sacrifices for the remaining population.”

This is not only ridiculous, but it demonstrates how little value those in power place on the lives of Nigerians. “20% of Nigeria’s assumed population of 200 million would be 40 million.” So, Mr. Malami, you see nothing wrong with 40 million people making sacrifices? Especially when it comes to sacrificing for a cause that is not only undefined but also clearly anti-people? Many countries in the world have populations of 40 million or less.

“How about those whose livelihoods are based on the two activities mentioned by the government?” They don’t appear to be significant. Afenifere has repeatedly stated that the government has not demonstrated that it is serious about combating terrorism. Various public reports have repeatedly indicated where those who are committing evil against the country are and the methods they are employing.

“The government and its security agencies have access to better information than the general public.” Nonetheless, the government and its agencies struggled to deal with the situation as effectively as they should. This, we believe, is not due to a lack of capacity. Rather, it is due to a lack of will, which serves no one except those who have chosen the evil path. They must remember, however, that they cannot escape God’s wrath – even if they continue to manipulate situations here.

“To bolster the government’s claim of insincerity, Minister of Interior Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola revealed that the lack of efforts to work on intelligence gathered prior to the attack on Kuje Prison was what made the attack successful.” What is the point of gathering intelligence if it is not used at the appropriate time and in the appropriate manner?

“What steps has the government taken since the Minister of Interior discovered unprofessional behavior on the part of some officers in the Kuje Prison attack?” So far, we haven’t heard of any officers or officials being chastised.

“The government must remember that Nigerians’ lives are being violently and unjustly sacrificed on a daily basis.” It should therefore muster the political and intellectual will to put an end to this ogre that is devouring Nigeria at an unimaginable rate.

“Afenifere has repeatedly emphasized the importance of allowing states to establish their own police forces.”

“The federal government should stop treating terrorists with kid gloves and instead empower and allow security agencies to do their jobs professionally.” It should also allow state governments that are ready to establish their own police forces within the federal system of government that we use.”

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