Clamp Down On Unregistered Commercial Bikers Announced.

By Raymond Dingana

Tougher days lie ahead of commercial biker riders who after enjoying a Ten Months period of grace for them to abide by the rules and regulations governing their sector, have still not been able to do so. During a security meeting  that took place at the NW Governor's office,chaired by Territorial Administration Minister,  it was disclosed that, from Tuesday March 17, 2020, commercial bikers still to  undergo the registration process will not be allow to embark on their day to day activities in Bamenda.

“ As from Tuesday March 17, 2020, those whose bikes have not been identified and registered will not be allowed to exercise their duties as transporters. We gave them six months to start the identification process, the syndicates pleaded that we give them nine months which was given. Now we are ten months and we have to start the identification process. If they default, the bikes will be confiscated and kept at the police and gendarmerie post and the riders will go do the identification process before coming back for their bikes. I want to tell the motor bike riders that, as from now hence forth; they have to abide by the rules and regulations. All commercial bikes must be painted YELLOW and the exercise will be free of charge to be done by the City Mayor”. Atanga Nji indicated.

He also blamed commercial bike riders for the atrocities perpetrated in the region saying they are done with the help of the motor bike riders. He noted that, people shooting guns left and right, people kidnapping for ransom, people asked to close their shops are all done with the help of motor bike riders.

Another topic on the agenda of the security meeting was re-run of the legislative elections to take place on March 22, 2020. Territorial Administration Minister, Atanga Nji Paul mentioned that, security officials have been asked to enforce security mechanisms for the re run to be conducted in calm and serenity.

Commercial bike riders have been reacting to the minister’s outing criticizing him for ignoring what they say they are going through especially in the hands of security forces and Ambazonia fighters despite reporting these atrocities on them to the NW authorities.

Talking to the DrayInfos, Dickson, a bike rider said, apart from working on what he called death traps in the name of roads, they also suffer torture, extortion and other forms of intimidation and harassment in the hands of security forces. He also stated that, even when they decide to shun fear and work on ghost town days, they are harassed by security forces that at times collect all what they have worked for the day. He said despite reporting all these to the administration of the region, the administration has done nothing

Emile, another bike rider said, he is not a terrorists but only a commercial biker rider whose only objective is to put food on the table of his family. He however acknowledged the fact that, just like in any other sector, they are bad seeds.

In an order signed by the Governor of the North West Region dated 13 March 2020, motor bike riders are prohibited from circulating from 6pm to 5:30am daily affecting six out of the seven Divisions that make up the NWR. Mezam, Momo, Menchum, Bui,Boyo, and Ngoketunjia Divions with the exception of Donga Mantung Division.Any motor bike caught violating the order will be impounded and the rider prosecuted.

The document indicates that, the reason for the decision is because of the resurgence of urban criminality with the involvement of motor bikes.  

DrayInfos

+237676238865

Photo credit: Fonguh Primus