SIR: There must be a reason for any action to be taken. While some may be altruistic, others can be entirely obnoxious. I consider the ‘unofficial’ proscription of Keke riding business in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) as ill-thought out. The directive itself, apparently orchestrated by the Federal Government, is crassly illogical and grossly absurd by every estimation.
It would be recalled that many Abuja residents penultimate Tuesday woke up to the shocking news that commercial tricycle activities have been “abolished” in some parts of the city. One can safely conclude that with the FCTA authorities’ directive, the Keke ‘guys’ have been declared as persona non grata by those behind the prohibition. Already, the federal government which (though, openly has not) announced the suspension of Keke business, has maintained that their (the Keke riders) activities is constituting a nuisance to several parts of the nation’s capital.
A sane mind will be compelled to ask: is this the first time Keke operators and riders are legitimately doing their business in Abuja? If no, then why are they being ‘victimized’ now? The reality is that the Keke riders didn’t come to the FCT yesterday, or this year. Certainly not last year, or even the year before. They have been in Abuja since only God-knows-when. And not only that, they have through their dignifying business, been offering invaluable service to teeming Abuja residents. Never mind the fact that the Keke business has since become a passport to ‘prosperity’ for many youths, in their struggle to keep body and soul together.
Read Also: Keke operator in Kirikiri prisons for stabbing man
Since the proscription, I have seen how hundreds of people regularly trek from major highways in Abuja to their distant houses located in housing estates, communities and areas. How workers also trek to their offices on daily basis. I do sincerely bemoan their haplessness as the scorching ‘Abuja sun’ vents its anger on them. This development as unfortunate as it is, could not have been unavoidable.
This is the time when government should devise ways to alleviate the suffering, while also cushioning the hardship of Abuja residents, and other Nigerians. It should not, and I repeat, should not be the time for unveiling or introducing anti-masses policies, directives or programmes. Is it not the height of ‘cluelessness’ for government to outrightly criminalize Keke business without providing a palliative for the affected youths?
The FCT administration surely knows better the threat those directly affected by the clampdown pose to their immediate society and the FCT in general. If we are not careful, many a youths whose daily bread is riding tricycle will soon be recruited into Robbery United, One-Chance Madrid, and Kidnapping Golden Stars FC, among other infamous ‘crime clubs’. For that not to happen—at least any time soon—we must continue to ask this pertinent question: Why should they proscribe Keke in Abuja?
- Usman Aisha Shuaibu, IBB University Lapai.
Leave a Reply