By: Fatmata Grace Okekearu, Bo City
In a coordinated effort to maintain peace and stability in Bo Municipality, key stakeholders have urged commercial bike riders to refrain from violence and instead engage in constructive dialogue amid reports of a potential strike over the recent increase in ticket fees.
The unrest follows concerns from some commercial bike riders regarding the upward adjustment of daily union ticket fees from Le 2 to Le 5. While stakeholders acknowledge the riders’ concerns, they cautioned that any form of violence or disruption would negatively impact the socio-economic life of the city.
Leading the peace appeal are the Regional Police Commander South, Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) Andrew Mustapha Kamara; the Brigade Commander of the 5th Infantry Brigade, Gondama Barracks; the Bo District Coordinator of the Office of National Security (ONS), Mr. Sheku Koroma; the Resident Minister South, Chief John Abu; civil society actors led by Chairman Joseph Dominic Blackie; religious leaders, media practitioners, community leaders, and other prominent stakeholders in the municipality.
The stakeholders collectively urged the executives of the Commercial Bike Riders’ Union to ensure that proceeds from the increased ticket fees are managed transparently and responsibly. They also called on riders to channel their grievances through lawful and peaceful means.
Addressing the concerns, Regional Chairman of the Bike Riders’ Union South, Mr. Sorie Saccoh, explained that the ticket price adjustment was necessary to support ongoing and planned development initiatives aimed at improving the welfare of riders.
“We have recently provided 1,000 free National Identity Cards for bike riders in Bo. We are also working tirelessly to rehabilitate the Bo District First Aid Centre to respond to emergencies arising from accidents. In addition, over 300 bike riders have been enrolled at the Milton Margai Technical Institute for skills training and youth empowerment,” Mr. Saccoh stated.
Stakeholders emphasized that while grievances are legitimate, violence and disorder are counterproductive and threaten public safety and economic stability. They stressed the importance of open communication, mutual understanding, and constructive engagement between union leadership and riders to resolve outstanding issues.
Issuing a firm warning, AIG Andrew Mustapha Kamara reminded all parties of their civic responsibilities:
“I am urging all bike riders to work within the ambit of the law. No one is above the law. Violence and destruction are not solutions to any problem. There are lawful channels for addressing dissatisfaction, and those channels must be respected.”
The stakeholders expressed confidence that sustained dialogue and cooperation would lead to a peaceful and lasting resolution, urging bike riders to prioritize the welfare of Bo City above individual disagreements.