The Ogun State Government has warned that it would take drastic action against anyone or any group collecting illegal Rider’s Permits in the state.
A statement by the Chief Economic Adviser and Commissioner for Finance, Mr Dapo Okubadejo in Abeokuta, on Thursday, said the government has not appointed or mandated anyone or group to collect Rider’s permit on its behalf.
According to Okubadejo, “it has come to government notice that some unscrupulous people are going about collecting rider’s permit from unsuspecting members of the public, especially Motorcycle (okada) and tricycle (Marwa) rider. This action is not approved by the state government and the government has not authorized any individual or group to collect permits on its behalf.
“Before we take a decision of this nature, we always weigh its consequences, particularly, on the welfare and well-being of our people. At no time did we appoint, select or mandate anybody, agent or organisation to go around and collect money in the form of rider permits for the state government.
“Any individual or group doing so is not acting on the instructions of the state government and the government will not hesitate in dealing with such people when they are apprehended”.
The statement further stated that as a people’s government, it would not afford to overburden its citizens with unnecessary levies, especially when the people are going through trying times.
While noting that the government is working towards finding solutions to the current scarcity of naira and fuel, the statement warned those engaging in the nefarious act to desist, adding that security agencies have been mandated to arrest anyone or group involved in collecting such illegal fee.
