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The Transitional Chairman of Lokoja Local Government Council, Abdullahi Adamu, has banned aggrieved commercial motorcyclists, popularly called ‘Okada’, from staging any protest within Lokoja metropolis ahead of of the inauguration of the Kogi State Chapter of the Motorcycle Operators Union of Nigeria (MOUN).
Adamu gave the warning on Sunday in Lokoja through a statement by his Special Adviser on Security, Muhammed Bala Yusuf.
He described the planned protest as illegal, noting that it could lead to breakdown of law and order.
The statement reads, “The attention of Lokoja Local Government has been drawn to a rumored planned protest by some persons in the guise of Okada Riders ahead of the inauguration of the Kogi State Chapter of the Motorcycle Operators Union of Nigeria (MOUN).
“While the current authority of the Local Government respects the rights of individuals to peaceful assembly and expression of grievances, interest or bias, the lawful processes and procedures cannot be bypassed. The rumored planned protest, if true, is illegal and hereby banned in Lokoja Local Government and its environs.
“This is hereby advising those behind such rumoured protests to DESIST FORTHWITH, all modalities put in place for the demonstration.
“Without mincing words, ANY person or group of persons that engage in any illegal procession aimed at causing traffic congestion, inconveniences to residents and businesses and any form of disruption to our community would face the full weight of the law.
“The local government urges any aggrieved person(s) to explore peaceful and proper channels of resolving their issues, without resorting to unlawful actions that would affect the peace of the council.”
