IN tandem with the constitutional provisions mandating governments at state and federal levels to protect life and prosperity of her citizens, the Delta State government recently banned commercial motorcycles(okada) and scavengers (iron condemn) in some parts of the state.
The ban of the two trades are bitter pills to swallow but concerned about the growing security threats posed by the activities of the scavengers also known as “iron condemn“ and Okada operators, the state government decided to ban their activities within and outside the State capitals.
It is no longer strange that the iron condemn with evil motives were infiltrating different parts of the state and in the process, breaking into people’s homes and stealing their valuables.
Truth is that the scavengers and Okada riders are victims of circumstance as more of them were created by elements beyond them. The iron condemn is a term used to encompass various discarded metallic items which is rapidly emerging as a lucratic business across Nigeria cities and villages. It is a growing industry that revolves around what many would consider discarded junk, scrap metal commonly called iron condemns which is now making waves in the business.
And for the Okada as a means of transportation, it began to spread in the 1980s and became more popular in the late 1980s following an economic down turn in Nigeria which was partly a consequence of the adoption of a liberal eco economic policy in the form of a Structural Adjustment Programme (SAP) combined with rapid urbanization, unemployment and inadequate intracity public transportation.
Yes, some of the advantages of the use of Okada (commercial motorcycle) for intracity commercial transport are that they are readily available and more importantly, can easily navigate through narrow roads, rough terrain and remote areas and meander through the hectic urban traffic thereby meeting the transport needs of some urban residents.
Recalled that some unemployed youths began to use motorcycles to earn income by transporting passengers swiftly to their doorsteps and sometimes on narrow and poorly maintained roads across the country; thereby creating self-employments for them. This type of transportation quickly became popular and acceptable of it increased.
Now, Okadas are of the primary modes of transportation in Nigeria and constitute an acceptable transportation system. Even in the remote villages, they arrive at regular intervals and have become a means of transportation regularly used by people of all ages -men and women alike.
Unfortunately, the rise in Okada usage has been accompanied by increased occurrences of risky driving and accidents on Nigerian roads. As a result, Okada has come under heavy criticisms resulting in legislation intended to restrict or prohibits their operations in some states and cities.
Perhaps the biggest health risk is the high chance of getting involved in road accidents, causing injury or being fatal and has 80 percent chance of causing injuries. Also since motorcycles are not balanced on two wheels instead of four, they are more likely to be involved in crashed caused by road hazards including road debris, potholes, paddles rail road tracks and uneven pavement.
Worse still, while the preference of Okada attracts many people into the business, the use of Okada has been noted to be suitable and convenient for criminals in the discharge of their operations a most operators have been alleged to have committed different kinds of violence crimes such as disappearing with commuters for ritualism and rape.
The Delta State Government in its determination to reduce crime and criminalities in the state decided to ban commercial motorcyclist popularly known as okada.
Briefing newsmen recently in Asaba, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr Kingsley Emu said that the objectives of the ban were to prevent security challenges in the state. No doubt, this is another bold and courageous step taken by the Governor Sheriff Oborevwori administration.
Dr Emulate noted that the law banning the Okada and iron condemn has been in existence since 2012 but has not been implemented. He said “it is to save lives and property. People have been raped, transformers and cables have been vandalized and residents have been made restless.
Also speaking on the issue, the Commissioner for Information, Dr. Ifeanyi Osuoza explained that the decision was taken for the best interest of the greater number of citizens in the state. He made the clarification while speaking as a guest of Sleek FM Radio, Agbor ,stating that security report indicated that eight local government areas comprising Oshimili South, Oshimili North, Ika North East, Ika South, Ethiope East, Sapele, Uvwie and Warri South are worst hit by criminal activities traced to Okada riders.
The commissioner pointed out that the ban does not affect use of motorbikes for Corporate services such as Courier Services and delivery of products ordered online as well as Security Personnel Motorbikes to take security to their places of primary assignments or for security surveillance.
Reacting to the matter, some residents of Asaba, Delta State capital described government step as a welcome the developments, saying that Okada riders have caused a lot of damage to people and property. They said that a lot of lives have been lost due to the activities of Okada riders because they use them to go to areas where cars cannot penetrate, adding that those who are making cases for them should consider the havoc they have perpetrated in the society.
They however, pleaded to the Governor, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori to review the banned areas where the residents cannot come out without any means of transportation. One of the residents said “if the roads are motorable, no one would patronize Okada and if Keke can get to our area at Okpanam, no problem but as it is now, I can’t drive, no Keke, no Okada, how do we move?” .
While some of them praised the government for the good work they are doing, others however, urged the state government to have another look at some critical areas with a view to making more people happier.
One good thing about the government directive is that it has received massive support except for few pockets of complaints from those appeared to have been ‘trapped ‘ by the ban.
