The Motorcyclist Riots

I am away from Jos at this time and this is the reason why I am responding to this incident this late but I have followed the story from the start. My inability to respond quickly has also given the opportunity to reflect on this issue more deeply. This is another case of the lack of sensitivity on the part of our so called leaders and the sustained willingness of the poor masses to allow these political opportunists who wear the cloak of religion to advance their selfish agendas. Firstly, Governor Jonah Jang did not approach this issue as someone serving a State that has become volatile and more so, he failed to realise that these motorcycles serve a greater purpose than the crime they are used to commit. I don’t personally like the sight of motorcycles on our roads and the nuisance which they constitute to car drivers, but what I don't like does not matter here, these motorcycles are the major means of transportation for majority of commuters in the city, so even if they are being used for criminal activities as the government has claimed, we cannot ignore what they contribute to the life of the city. I also believe that that most of those who patronise these motorcyclists do not like them but they have to continue patronage because there are no alternatives and this is where I have a message for the government. We would have prevented the loss of those innocent lives if the government have been a little bit more sensitive and more holistic in their approach. It would have been wonderful if the government acknowledged these motorcycle riders as part of the socio-economic reality of the city and offer an alternative – may be mass transit buses which I believe will offer a credible competition for them, I believe the masses would have by their action eased these motorcyclists off the streets or restrict them to some remote areas which can now be backed by law. As things stand right now, there is a vacuum created and if I know our system very well, it will only take a while before these cyclists resurface and it will be a a serious embarrassment for the government. It is not too late for the government to fill this vacuum by providing alternative means of transportation.

Just thinking

I see and hear a lot excitement about next years election coming on the heels of the appointment of the new INEC chairman. It's always good to be hopeful and I am not downplaying the good credentials of Jega but these are my thoughts. Is the appointment of the new INEC chairman enough change for us to be optimistic about a credible election next year? Can we say that we ve had enough or adequate systemic and structural change? Please consider this point as you pray, hope, talk and protest. I want Christians out there to read the prophetic contest between Jeremiah and Hananiah  as regards Babylonian captivity. I am sincerely sorry I can't give any Quranic reference right now. This is my reflection