Ekiti State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Dayo Apata (SAN) has reiterated the unwavering commitment of the present administration to the maintenance of security , law and public order within the State.
The Attorney General made the pledge in Ado-Ekiti during a sensitization programme organized by the State Ministry of Justice with representatives of security agencies, transport unions and other stakeholders in the transportation sector on the law regulating Okada Riders activities in Ekiti State.
He explained that the sensitization programme on the Ekiti State Commercial Motorcycle Operators Regulation Law, No 8 of 2009 became necessary against the backdrop of the increasing ways at which motorcycles are being used to commit and perpetrate crimes in the State.
Apata stated that the stakeholders engagement would afford all the stakeholders the opportunity to become aware of the said law as Strict adherence to it is of utmost interest to the State.
He implored all relevant stakeholders and agencies to join hands with the State Government in strengthening security within the State and put an end to crimes being perpetrated by criminals through the use of motorcycles.
The Attorney General said as a responsible Government, having conducted the sensitization of the stakeholders, the Biodun Oyebanji-led Government would commence full enforcement of the State Commercial Motorcycle Operators Regulation Law,
In his remarks, the State Commissioner for Transportation, Hon. Kehinde Ajobiewe who urged transport unions to join in the fight against criminality in the sector said data capturing of commercial motorcyclists was a key factor in regulating the sector.
Also speaking at the forum ,the State Commissioner for Information , Rt.Hon. Taiwo Olatunbosun stressed the commitment of the Administration of Governor Oyebanji administration to the protection of lives and properties of Ekiti People adding that the State Government would not allow anyone to truncate the prevailing peace that exists in Ekiti State .
He said that apart from the resolve to start full enforcement of the subsisting Ekiti State Commercial Motorcycle Operators Regulating Law, , Government would soon propose an amendment to the law to give it more bite and make it more effective
The Special Adviser to Mr. Governor on Security, Rtd. Brigadier General Ebenezer Ogundana commended the leadership of the Ministry of Justice for the initiative and reiterated the commitment of Government to amend the law regulating the transportation sector and laws that deal with security issues in the State.
Brigadier Ogundana described the present administration as the peoples’ government that would not allow any untold hardship in the lives of Ekiti People.
In his remarks , the Chairman, Okada Riders Association Ekiti Chapter, Mr. Kunle Asaolu who highlighted steps being taken by the union to help bolster security in the sector to include :registration of members, issuance and enforcement of use of serialized reflective jackets and compulsory use of number plates by members of the union, disclosed that okada riders too were victims of criminal elements operating on motorcycles.
Mr Asaolu added that members of his association would willingly join hands with Government and the security agents in regulating the sector.
The representative of the Commissioner of Police, Dr. Edwin Igoche stressed that crimes could be averted if there were vital information, proper awareness and monitoring of members by the Executives of their different Associations.
Stakeholders of different Commissions, Associations such as CAN, Director on State Security, Human Right Commission, RTEAN and others lauded the Ministry for the initiative.
They promised to cooperate with Government and the security agencies in making the sector free criminal elements.
Packaged by Mayowa Owogbade
