Thousands
of operators of commercial motorcycles, popularly called Okada, took to
the streets of Benin City, capital of Edo State Wednesday in protest
against the ban on their activities by the state government.
The
State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole had in a state-wide broadcast
on television stations in the state Tuesday, announced the ban of the
use of okada as a means of transportation in the three local government
areas of Benin metropolis, citing security reasons.
The
protesters who turned out in large numbers, elicited the sympathy of
people as youths and others joined them in the protest at Ring Road.
Human
and vehicular traffic was disrupted by the protest, as all entrance to
the ever busy Ring Road were barricaded with every available objects.
Workers
and other commuters who had planned to beat the early hour rush were,
however, disappointed as they could not overcome the heavy traffic jam
caused by the protest.
A team of security operatives comprising soldiers and anti-riot policemen later dispersed the protesters.
One
of the protesters, Emmanuel Okobia, who spoke to the newsmen at Ring
Road, said the government erred in the ban of their activities without
serving them notice early enough.
“Oshiomhole
got this one wrong this time. How can he announce a ban on Okada after
just one week notice? We are all family men and bread winners, where
does he want us to get our daily bread from?
“Criminal
activities in the state have gone down considerably. There is no more
kidnapping and armed robbery, so his argument that it is because of
armed robbery and kidnapping does not work,” Okobia said.
The
protesters further lamented losses they were made to incur, saying that
just two months ago, they were forced to pay the sum of N2000 each for
jackets that were never given to them.
“Just
two months ago, they forced us to pay N2000 for a jacket which they
claimed will identify real riders from hoodlums, which they did not even
give us. At the end of the day, it was stickers that they gave to us.
So who is deceiving who now? Oshiomhole should think twice.”
As
at the time of filing this report, traffic around the Ring Road had
eased as soldiers and anti riot policemen were everywhere around the
area and adjoining streets.
The Okada riders, however, vowed to take their protest to the Government House to see Governor Oshiomhole.
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Let there be sanity on our roads in the entire nation. Okada is not the best mode of transportation. It is not even a work to behold. It is a stain in our roads and indeed our country that is working hard to one of the develop country, remember vision 20 20 20. They should go to the farm as the best alternative. If you decide to go in to arm robbery remember the long arm of the law. Stay away from our roads period.
ReplyDeleteIn a civilised society things are done in order. Governor Oshiomhole erred in this case in giving one week notice. Also, the Governor should dialogue with the people rather than a heavy-handed approach. In a civilised society, there will be consultation with all stakeholders including riders, their customers and members of the public.
ReplyDeleteAlso, Governor Oshiomhole did not consider the economic situation in implementing the ban. Many of the riders have no other jobs but they have to look after their families. How does the Governor expect these people to survive without going into crime?
Motor cycle riders are meeting consumer needs in local transportation and enabling riders to earn a living.
My message to the Governor is that he should protect public interest rather than the interest of the few. In serious matters like this, consult the stakeholders rather than rely on your Special Advisers alone.