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| Zubairu Muazu |
The Commissioner of Police in Lagos State, Zubairu Muazu, has warned transport unions in the state against being agents of violence for politicians during the March 9, 2019 governorship and state House of Assembly elections.
Muazu gave the warning on Friday while meeting with all transport unions, Area Commanders and Divisional Police Officers in Lagos.
He said the meeting became necessary in view of the conduct of some members of the transport unions, particularly, the motorcyclists who disregarded the restriction during elections.
He said, “Don’t allow your members to be used by politicians to cause problems in Lagos. Let them come out on Election Day to vote and go back home. On March 9, it is going to be total restriction. All the transport leaders here should go back to their members and tell them to be law abiding.”
Muazu also warned officers and men of the state command against involving in unprofessional conducts, adding that erring officials would be duly sanctioned.
The Deputy Commissioner of Police, Operations, Mr Mohammed Ali, warned commercial motorcyclists, popularly known as ‘okada’ riders, against flouting government’s directives.
He said okada riders found to be operating during the elections would be prosecuted while their motorcycles would be confiscated.
He said, “The command was not pleased with okada riders for not obeying the Federal Government’s restriction on Election Day. Many okada riders were on the roads as if there was no restriction of movements.
“Ballot box snatching and disruption of election in some areas were done by people on motorcycles. Go to your polling units and vote without riding okada.
“For Oodua Peoples Congress, the leaders should talk to their members. If they want to vote, they are free to go to their units and do so peacefully and return home. If anyone is caught violating any law during and after the elections, that person will have themselves to blame.”
Representatives of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, motorcycle and tricycle associations, among others, were present at the meeting.
