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[Opinion] The Trekkers Of Today Will Snatch Our Cars Tomorrow
By ‘Fisayo Soyombo
I am not one the biggest fans of the motorcycle as a means of transportation. I wasn’t always an antagonist; it all started in 2010.
My friend was on a bike that collided with a danfo in the Ikorodu area of Lagos. It wouldn’t have been too bad if that was where it ended, but after she tumbled off the bike, an onrushing bus overran her right hip.
She was a guest of the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Igbobi, for several months. Ten years on, her life hasn’t been the same. That leg still isn’t the same. Before that experience I was a frequent user of the motorcycle, but in the 10 years that followed I haven’t ridden it up to 10 times. Still, I do not support this wholesale ban on motorcycle and tricycle operations.
We’ll come back to why later. But first, it must be established that the government has valid concerns about “the menace” of bicycles and tricycles. The Lagos State government says the proscription was prompted by “scary figures” of fatal accidents recorded from operations of okada and Keke NAPEP between 2016 and 2019”.
We’re talking over 10,000 accidents recorded at the general hospitals alone, 600 of which have claimed the lives of their victims. The government is also worried by the use of motorcycle and tricycle as getaway means by criminals. I think we can all agree that these two reasons are legitimate, but do the people deserve this kind punishment?
The ban has abruptly eviscerated the means of livelihood of tens of thousands of Lagosians, mainly the already-poor or semi-poor. There are families just getting by before that will now truly struggle to eat three meals daily. With the crowds at bus stops and terminuses these days, Nigerians are technically fighting a bloodshed-less civil war to navigate the otherwise simple task of finding a bus to office.
Those who aren’t strong enough for the challenge, or those who aren’t patient enough to wait endless minutes, end up enduring the arduous option of long treks to their office and back home (even at that, not one of them came close to winning the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon on Saturday!).
On the bright side, though, the roads seem saner to drive on even if the perennially-heavy Lagos traffic has shown no sign of dissipating.
One very worrying thing about this ban is that it’s a knee-jerk reaction to repeated complaints about accidents and insecurity. It’s no different from the situation in October last year when Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu declared a state of emergency on Lagos roads only after intense complaints on the social-media. Everyone knows Akinwunmi Ambode, the former Governor, stopped working more than a year earlier —from the season it became apparent Bola Tinubu was never going to be placated in his choice of the next governor.
Before that sensational emergency declaration, Sanwo-Olu himself had been governor for five months; unless he’d been flying a chopper all over Lagos, there’s really no reason he ignored the numerous gridlock-causing potholes on Lagos roads, reacting only when the public censure became unbearable. His government has been largely reactive, notoriously uninventive. This okada ban is another example.
If the government genuinely wanted to reduce the injuries, deaths and robberies, there is an important question it should have asked, and answered: Why exactly are Lagosians attracted to motorcycles? Why, despite the deaths and robberies, do they keep flying bikes on highways? Unlocking this is the key to regulating the operations of motorcycles and tricycles.
The answer is traffic — the maddening Lagos traffic that makes multi-car owners abandon their intimidating machines at home and fly bikes to work instead. Solving the traffic conundrum is what Sanwo-Olu should be doing, not the self-confessed “wielding the big stick”.
First, clear the potholes on the roads. To Sanwo-Olu’s credit, there’s been an improvement since late last year. But so much more is yet to be done. There are still many traffic-catalysing portions on Ikorodu Road, for example, and it’s much worse inside, such as on the road leading to Asolo-Isawo from Agric Bus Stop. Keep the roads pothole-free and watch more people ditch bikes for cars and buses. This, it must be said, is the low-hanging fruit.
The permanent cure is the easing of Lagos’s notorious traffic situation via the diversification of transport. The more than 20 million inhabitants of the city are too many for its 999.6km2 land area. Road as the ultimate means of transport is the number one enabler of bikes; it won’t even support the “greater Lagos journey” Sanwo-Olu says we have embarked on. So a more thoughtful step would have been an ambitious rail project that connects the busiest routes in Lagos.
An underground rail line preferably, just like is obtainable in many of the countries Sanwo-Olu and other Nigerian politicians frequent but seem to learn little from. London, the world’s third busiest city in the world, for instance, owes a great deal of its tolerable traffic to its underground train stations.
Empty the Nigerian people into the streets of London and I can assure you bikes would naturally have no place. These things can work in Nigeria too, but politicians who’re more interested in stuffing their pockets and securing their political future will never have the bravery, moral presence or financial prudence to actualise them.
Potential investors in Lagos are surely having second thoughts after seeing the likes of O’Ride, Gokada and Max helplessly watch their investments go down the drain overnight by one abrupt policy announcement. No serious economy does this — to, in one breath, wipe off solid private investments when these companies have in fact introduced some sanity and respectability to a hitherto chaotic and raucous motorcycle operating system. Yet that’s not personally my biggest worry.
I’m very worried about the trekkers. No people deserve this agony on account of rash governance. This is a classic case of a government transferring its own burden of governance to the people. As long as we agree that democracy is a government for the people, this can’t be right.
More importantly, the tens of thousands of now jobless bike riders will become trekkers too — either because they’re now too broke or they themselves have to join the long queues for buses.
Whichever way it happens, watch out for these guys — because they will come back to snatch your cars. And when they do it, it will be with venom, with a terrifying self-justification of being forced into it by a Greater Lagos with no place for the poor and lowly.
Those of you who seem unbothered by the ban because you’re cruising in your wound-up, air-conditioned cars, don’t dare think you’re safe.
Soyombo, former Editor of the TheCable, the International Centre for Investigative Reporting (ICIR) and SaharaReporters, tweets @fisayosoyombo.
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Shocking departure of Rafatu Salami: Thunderbolt on journalism
By Dimeji Kayode-Adedeji
I still find it difficult to believe sudden demise of Rafatu Salami. I first came in physical contact with her when I joined International Press Institute (IPI), Nigeria. Before then, we had never met, but only knew our names while practicing journalism
That our maiden meeting was at the 3-day conference of International Press Conference (IPI), in October 2024, held in Government Reservation Area (GRA), Ikeja axis of Lagos State and I can attest to the proactive nature of Rafat, which I admired, as she was up and doing to ensure a successful outing. That skills coupled with her accommodating nature made us to be professionally close
In similar vein, our second encounter was during a training organized for senior journalists in Nigeria by the Nestle Nigeria Plc held between September 11 to 13, 2024. Interestingly, myself and Rafat represented International Press Institute (IPI) and this also provided opportunity for two of us to be more united in journalism.
I recalled vividly that she exhibited her cerebral skills at the training session with robust contributions, and also added glamour to the programme, with her no dull moment nature, which also caught attention of all participants.
I can attest to the accommodating nature of Rafat, and it will be difficult for all other participants that we knew each other less than two years, because her accommodating nature was superb. She always relates with me as if we have known each other for decades.
The known outspoken and vibrant late female journalist is somebody I cherished because of her humility, proactive nature and hardwork among other qualities, particularly in the media industry. She doesn’t believe in failure, but always optimistic that there should be positive results for whatever project she shows interest
In October 25, 2024 she sent me a message about a proposed conference being organized by an establishment to take place in Abeokuta, and asked me to help secure venue and attend to other logistics, which I swiftly responded to, as a way to also appreciate her, because if you handover an assignment to her, Rafatu would also ensure that she provide good results
In the course of our discussions, I even encouraged her to come and join Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), which I am also a member, because of her competence in the media, and in response she said she would join when she attain the position of Deputy Director in her office, explaining that she was still an Assistant Director.
She expressed optimism that she would soon get her promotion which will pave way for her to join the Guild.
However, on November 3, 2024 when I didn’t hear from her about the proposed conference, I was curious to know cause of delay, but sent me a message that she had been experiencing excruciating pain on her legs and could not walk or sit, but making attempt to walk round her room.
I felt for her, and had to recommend a pain relief lotion which I sent the image to her so she can buy and start applying on the legs, I was thinking it was just a minor pain at that time. She appreciated my concern, and replied me she would source for it.
Below is first round of our WhatsApp contact chat
[09/12, 11:00 pm] Ijesakinsman: Uv done ur conference in Abeokuta?
[09/12, 11:01 pm] Rafatu IPI: No. I’ve been incapacitated for 8 weeks now
[09/12, 11:02 pm] Ijesakinsman: What went wrong
[09/12, 11:02 pm] Rafatu IPI: Had excruciating pain on my right leg, could not walk or sit
[09/12, 11:03 pm] Rafatu IPI: But I have begun walking around my room now
[09/12, 11:03 pm] Rafatu IPI: At least I go to toilet without support
[09/12, 11:05 pm] Ijesakinsman: God perfect ur healing
[09/12, 11:05 pm] Rafatu IPI: Amen
But I became shock on December 12, 2024 when I her saw on wheel chair during the conference of International Press Institute (IPI) held in Abuja. Honestly, I was dazed with that picture posted on the Institute membership platform.
I could not resist to keep mute over the development and had to send text to her later in the evening of the event, telling her that I never, knew the medical situation was so heartbreaking, and in response said she cried for hours before she could accept to use the wheel chair to attend the event
This worrisome development motivated me for regular and daily contact with her both on chat and video calls, to know how she’s fairing everyday. This our regular conversation was between December 9 to 17, 2024, as produced below, not until early morning of Friday, just about 48 hours of our chat and video discussions with her, I got the sad news.
Yet I still didn’t believe, because I still spoke with her few days. My curiosity made me to put a call across to her phone at about 7am, that was when it dawned on me, when receiver of the phone call who identified himself as a brother-in-law confirmed the bad news which shattered the day for me and the journalism family.
One thing that is clear is that we cannot query God, who knows everything. Rafat has done her bit, came and gone, but her good work, particularly in the media industry will forever remain a reference point in the nobble profession. No doubt, her sudden exit will be felt in the journalism world, which was her love profession. God rest her soul.
As I earlier stated above, second version of our conversation between December 9 till Tuesday December 17 before her final exit from this sinful world is produced below
[12/12, 1:32 pm] Ijesakinsman: I never knew is that serious that ur on wheel chair
[12/12, 1:35 pm] Rafatu IPI: Yeah
[12/12, 10:23 pm] Ijesakinsman: God will perfect the healing
[12/12, 10:50 pm] Rafatu IPI: Amen
[12/12, 11:02 pm] Ijesakinsman: Honestly, I was shocked when I saw it.
[12/12, 11:03 pm] Rafatu IPI: I cried for a whole day before agreeing to use it
[12/12, 11:06 pm] Ijesakinsman: U don’t need to cry, just be optimistic. I can understand cos I know how proactive ur, and to be confine on wheel chair can be difficult experience. I know God will heal you
[14/12, 11:53 pm] Rafatu IPI: Getting better by the day
[14/12, 11:54 pm] Ijesakinsman: I already have you in my prayer point
[14/12, 11:54 pm] Rafatu IPI: Amen and amen
[14/12, 11:56 pm] Ijesakinsman: Honestly, I was shocked when I saw that ur pix at conference. But am optimistic that you will get over it
[14/12, 11:56 pm] Rafatu IPI: By the special grace of God, the worst is already behind us
[14/12, 11:57 pm] Ijesakinsman: God grace
[15/12, 7:20 pm] Ijesakinsman: God grace and very soon you will rise up to your feet and be more agile and proactive
[15/12, 7:30 pm] Rafatu IPI: Amen and amen
[16/12, 11:49 pm] Ijesakinsman: How are u fairing now
[16/12, 11:49 pm] Rafatu IPI: Much better. Thank you sir
[16/12, 11:50 pm] Ijesakinsman: You will walk on ur own
[17/12, 1:11 am] Rafatu IPI: Amen
Dimeji Kayode-Adedeji is founder Penpushing Media and member International Press Institute(IPI). He wrote this piece from Abeokuta, Ogun State, Headquarters of the Penpushing Media
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FG Pledges Enhanced Security for Southeast Region
… Adequate security is vital for business prosperity – Badaru
The Honourable Minister of Defence, H.E. Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, has assured the people of the South-East of enhanced security measures, emphasizing that a secure environment is crucial for business growth and prosperity.
During his operational visit to Enugu in the South-East, the Minister addressed officers and personnel of the 82 Division/Joint task force south East Operation Udo ka under the General officer commanding, Major-General H.T Dada .He appreciated their performance while urging them to intensify their efforts in combating insecurity in the region. He also engaged with key stakeholders, including heads of security agencies, traditional rulers, students, and other community leaders, to discuss collaborative strategies for addressing the current security challenges. Other military platforms visited by the Minister included the Nigerian Airforce base Emene, Enugu.
“President Tinubu has directed me to engage with you all to find sustainable solutions to insecurity. Without security, there can be no peace or development,” Badaru stated. He acknowledged the entrepreneurial spirit of the South-East populace, asserting that security and peace are essential for businesses to thrive. “We seek your candid suggestions and information on how we can practically enhance security and foster lasting peace in this region,” he added.
The Minister reaffirmed President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to eradicating all forms of insecurity in the South-East . He elucidated on the progress made by the Tinubu administration over the past year in combating insecurity across the nation, particularly in these region.
“There is a renewed determination to intensify our efforts against all forms of insecurity under President Tinubu’s leadership,” he declared.
In his remarks, Major General Hassan Dada, General Officer Commanding (GOC) 82 Division/ JointTask south East Operation Udo ka, announced that the Army is implementing robust strategies to ensure a safe and secure environment for the upcoming festive season. “Through the Joint Security Task Force in the South-East, code-named ‘Operation UDO KA’, we aim to create a secure atmosphere that facilitates the usual mass return for Christmas,” he stated.
Additionally, retired Major General John Nwoga emphasized the role of social media in exacerbating insecurity, noting that the circulation of old videos depicting criminal activities contributes to fear and panic within communities. “It is imperative for our people to collectively address the negative impact of misleading information and fake news proliferated through social media,” Nwoga urged.
Furthermore, the Minister visited Imo State in continuation of his operational tour of southEast on Friday 22nd November 2024. He addressed the troops at the FOB okigwe, 211 Quick Response Group, Nigerian Airforce owerri and Naval Base Oguta in Imo State. He expressed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR message to them and that they should improve on their successes.
The Honourable Minister also paid a courtesy visit to Governor Hope Uzodimma of imo state to extend his gratitude to the Governor for all his support to the 82 Division of the Nigerian Army/ Joint Task force south East, Operation udo ka. “All the officers and men appreciates you.”
The Ministry of Defence remains committed to fostering a secure and peaceful environment conducive to business and community development in the South-East. We are determined to end insecurity in Nigeria.
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Rented Crowed, APC AKIDA Leader with Zamfara State Govt. Buses Embark on Campaign of Calumny at DSS Office
Godiya Hamza, a Media Analyst, writes from Abuja
The orchestrated campaign of calumny against the Honourable Minister of State for Defence H.E Dr Bello Muhammad Matawalle MON by a group of street orchins recruited by the leader of APC AKIDA Tijjani Ramallan is very preposterous and indecent.
This is politics too far, Ramadan has been attacking President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR right from campaign days. He never supported or participated in APC activities, he has been jealous of Matawalle loyalty to our President.
Tijjani Ramallan has been sponsoring Banditry and romancing with criminals.
The leader of the APC AKIDA Tijjani Ramallan is being sponsored by the state government to attack the person of Dr Matawalle. It is expected that by now the DSS should have arrested him . He has found himself as a willing tool to be manipulated by Governor Dauda Lawal in attacking Dr Matawalle.
The earlier smear campaign embarked by zamfara state government which was stopped by a court order has forced them to shift to the use of APC AKIDA to carry out their mischief.
What zamfara people need is good governance and not wasting the state resources in trying to pull Matawalle down.
Pull him down syndrome pays no body.
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