- Over Ogbeogonogo Market ‘No Parking’ Order
- Taskforce Reacts, Clarifies Position
By Kase Greatness/Rita Oyiboka/Prisca Ogbo
Operators of commercial tricycles, popularly known as ‘Keke’ and traders at the Ogbeogonogo Modern Market, Asaba, Delta State capital have lamented the ‘No parking’ order in the axis, alleging harassment and the disruption of their sources of livelihoods.
The order, intended to ease congestion and facilitate drainage repairs, has sparked outrage as road users struggle to navigate the congested market area. One of the affected tricycle riders, Mr. Samuel Iyari, lamented to The Pointer that “since the ‘No parking order took effect at the Ogbeogonogo Market area, we’ve been unable to drop or pick passengers there and it has affected our business. The enforcers, who often disguise themselves and don’t wear uniforms, target unsuspecting keke riders like me.”
Another Keke rider, who wished to remain anonymous, alleged that extortion by the taskforce has been ongoing for some time. “We’re forced to pay N7, 000 to them, even when we have not broken any rules. Simply stopping in the Ogbeogonogo axis, even, after the traffic light, results in penalties.
Surprisingly, he alleged that the police and hoodlums collaborate to extort them, sharing the spoils among themselves.” Also, a phone accessory seller at the Ogbeogonogo axis, simply identified as Mr. Eze, lamented that the new parking law has led to the unjust harassment of ‘Keke’ riders. “Most times, passengers will jump out of the vehicle around the axis without the ‘keke’ rider’s knowledge, yet the rider is fined.
In other instances, when there’s traffic jam and Keke are forced to stop, passengers will get in, and instead of penalizing the passenger who is in the wrong, the rider is fined, even though they weren’t actively seeking customers. This has become a form of harassment for many Keke riders who haven’t committed any offence,” he said. Also, a trader in the area, Mrs. Mary Eruemulor, lamented the new rule, highlighting the challenges it poses in transporting goods from the newly designated bus stop to the market, thereby forcing them to hire wheelbarrow pushers at an additional cost.
But in an interview with the chairman of the Taskforce, Comr. Adim Sylvester, he clarified the intent behind the “No parking order”, saying “the rule is not an attack on keke riders or traders. The state government enacted the law to prohibit parking or stoppage around the Ogbeogonogo Market area to fix the drainage covert in the middle of the road.”
He added, “since our task force began enforcing the rule, keke riders have largely complied. However, defaulters are taken to either the Police station or our office at the arcade. Nevertheless, some deviant keke riders have devised a new tactic, forcing passengers to jump out of the vehicle around the area, despite having designated bus stops, shortly before and after the market.”
While appreciating the cooperation of the ‘Keke’ riders and pedestrians, Sylvester encouraged continued compliance to ensure the successful completion of the drainage project and improved road safety for all.
