We’ll clamp down on unregistered motorbikes, unlicensed riders -FRSC

From Ado Abubakar Musa, Jos

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Pankshin Unit Command on Wednesday threatened to clamp down on any unregistered motorcycle and unlicensed rider especially Okader riders.

Assistant Corps Commander (ACC) Nnamdi Ikeh-Akabogu, the Pankshin Unit Cammander gave the warning in his office while fielding questions from journalists on the preparation of his Command in readiness for the clamp down on violators of vehicle registration and divers licence procurement.

“It’s a known fact that Federal Road Safety Corps had earlier in the year issued August 1st deadline for all keke operators and commercial motorcycle operators known as okada riders, to register their vehicles and also obtain driver’s license.

“Therefore any defaulting motobike operator should stay off the roads from Aug. 1 or face the consequences of being penalized.

“if they don’t register their bikes and procure class A Drivers License before the Aug. 1 deadline issued by FRSC High Command they stand the risk of an arrest and surcharging, “ he warned.

Ikeh-Akabogu reiterated, “it’s the Command’s resolve to impound any Okada operating in this hinterland unregistered and also without driver’s licence.”

He said that it would be better for such culprits to keep off the Roads in his command/jurisdiction.

According to him, the Corps’ new rules were for their (okada riders) good especially when a motorcycle is missing or used to perpetrate any crime within and without the community.

The Assistant Corps Commander said that it was a common phenomenon in the hinterland that when the riders report about stolen bikes, it’s usually very difficult tracing the bikes because they are not registered

He described as “very unfortunate “ and “pitiful “ a situation where a claimant could become the thief if his stolen bike was eventually registered by the other person who stole it..