A near breakdown of law and order was salvaged on Friday when Kebbi governor Atiku Bagudu appealed to protesting commercial motorcyclists to desist from an impending faceoff with the operatives of the Federal Road Safety Corps.

The irate mob had mounted blockades on highways in Birnin Kebbi, the state capital, to protest alleged arbitrary arrest and confiscation of their motorcycles by the FRSC.

Nafiu Zakari, the state chairman of Commercial Motorcyclists Association of Nigeria told the governor that FRSC marshals often arrest his men without breaking any traffic law.

Addressing the group, Mr Bagudu asked the protesters to clear off the roads to allow free flow of traffic while also pledging to investigate the matter and find a lasting solution to the lingering problem.

Mr Bagudu mandated relevant government agencies to hold consultations with the Sector Commander, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and the Commissioner of Police to find an amicable resolution of the matter.

The governor, however, said even though the commercial motorcyclists were important to the state economy, they must learn to dialogue instead of engaging in illegal activities.

Mr Bagudu, who said that the government would not ban commercial motorcycle operations as done in other states, cautioned them to always obey traffic rules and regulations.

He also donated N1 million to the motorcyclists to cater for their welfare.

The Special Adviser to the governor on Power, Yusuf Haruna-Rasheed, advised them to always channel their grievances through the leadership of their association, for amicable resolution.

(NAN)