As part of his mandate in ensuring the safety and security of citizens, the Minister of Internal Affairs Rtd AIG Morie Lengor Esq, has urged Commercial Bike Riders Union Executive on compliance of the implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding Agreement, of which Commercial Bike Riders are strictly prohibited from plying certain areas in the Central Business District (CBD) of Freetown effective 1st February, 2025.
He made this disclosure in an engagement with the BRU Executive and the SLP. This move, according to the Minister, aimed at restoring sanity, safety and order in the CBD.
The Minister noted the significant role of Bike Riders to the development of the Country, and called on them to work with the Police to be law abiding, while outlining the responsibility of the SLP to enforce the law, in ensuring the safety and security of all citizens. He revealed that his Ministry’s role is to regulate, supervised and support the police in the enforcement of law. He emphasised that strict adherence to the MOU is important for the safety and security of all citizens, and urged Bike Riders to comply with the Police.
Minister Lengor Esq, went on urging the police to enforce the use of crash helmet by all Bike Riders. He mentioned that he is also very happy with the proposed identification of Bike Riders, for easy identification in case of any occurrence.
‘Lawlessness is a significant concern that must be addressed, to maintain the safety and security of all citizens. I entrust the police to enforce the law diligently, and I am appealing to the BRU Executive to engage their workforce to be law abiding. I also want to use this opportunity to implore on all pylons to avoid boarding Bike Riders plying the CBD for their own safety’ The Minister stated.
The Minister concluded admonishing the BRU to remain apolitical and work in the interest of the Country, noting that all the measures implemented is to bring sanity into the city, and for people to know that Sierra Leone is a disciplined and law-abiding country, that will attract investors which will also create more job opportunities for the youth.
Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) Abdul Moijueh- the Director of Traffic SLP, remarked that, the pledge for Bike Riders to avoid plying certain areas in the CBD was made during a national dialogue involving all three parties, including the SLP, the BRU and the SLRSA, following a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that was signed on October, 7th 2024. He mentioned that the SLP is fully committed to constructive collaboration and cooperation from the BRU regarding their adherence to avoid plying the CBD, pinpointing on the importance of dialogue in peacefully resolving opinions on road safety issues and management. He expressed optimism that the engagement would encourage all parties to stick to the MOU and implement measures to curtail road accidents and also maintain law and order.
AIG Moijueh expressed gratitude to the BRU team for their cooperation and compliance in moving forward with the MOU agreement, anticipating more cooperation and collaboration from them to ensure the operations.
Responding to concerns raised, the National Public Relations Officer of the BRU Mr. Mohamed A T Nabieu congratulated the Minister and expressed the Unions appreciation for the timely engagement of the Ministry and other key players. He pointed out that they are very much committed to complying with the implementation of the MOU agreement in order to arrive at a win-win situation, noting the important role bike riders are playing in creating employment for youth in the Country. Mr. Nabieu further revealed their proposed plan by their development partners for all BRU members to be uniform for better identification, adding that as a Union they must be law abiding. He reaffirmed their commitment and support in ensuring safety and security and to restore sanity in the CBD.
Credit: Media & Communications Unit; Ministry of Internal Affairs