President of the Motorcycle Operators Union of Nigeria (MOUN), Comrade Julius Oghenevwegba Bobi, has expressed the union’s firm stance against the ill-treatment of its members by various state governments and agencies nationwide.
In an official statement personally signed by Comrade Bobi and released to the media on Sunday, the union decried the inhumane treatment endured by its members, emphasizing that such actions would no longer be tolerated.
The statement reads, “We wish to bring to your attention the distressing reality faced by MOUN members who operate motorcycles across the country, enduring unwarranted harassment and constant confiscation of motorcycles. This situation is no longer acceptable to our union. As the National President, I am taking the initiative to engage in a dialogue with the government to address these persistent challenges, which have led to the unjust seizure and destruction of our members’ motorcycles, thereby rendering them jobless despite being law-abiding citizens who dutifully pay their taxes.”
“We have received reports this week indicating that approximately 700 motorcycles were confiscated by government agencies in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, in addition to similar incidents in various locations across Nigeria. This alarming trend, coupled with harassment by law enforcement agencies for extortion, has become an unbearable burden for motorcyclists in Nigeria,” the statement continued.
Comrade Bobi revealed that he has taken steps to correspond with the current Minister of FCT, Barrister Nyesom Wike, with the hope of appealing to him to adopt a more considerate approach in addressing issues concerning motorcycle riders in the Federal Capital Territory.
It is noteworthy that the Motorcycle Operators Union recently received its union certificate from the Registrar of Trade Unions, Mr. Amos Faloni.
The National President emphasized that this development has empowered them to conduct their operations in compliance with the law, granting them protection from harassment and intimidation.
“With this recognition, we are determined to fulfill our mission and vision while upholding our core values and representing the interests of our association,” he concluded.
