Mixed Reactions Trail ‘Okada’ Ban In Anambra
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Loading ...By Nedum Noble
The recent ban on use of motorcycle by the Anambra state government in all the twenty one local government areas of state has continued to generate mixed reactions by residents and visitors alike.
The state government had last weekend, issued a statement, banning the operations of commercial motorcyclists, popularly known as Okada, after 7:00pm.
The statement, signed by the Commissioner for Information and Communication Strategy, Ogbuefi Tony Nnacheta, said the measure was necessary in view of the resurgence of armed robbery and other sundry crimes in the state in recent times.
It added that the ban was an indication of government’s determination to maintain law and order, as well as protect life and property of law-abiding citizens.
While some commended the government over the decision, describing it as laudable and timely, others condemned the order, saying it would further increase the current economic hardship being experienced by the populace.
Those who are in full support of the ban, argued that the order, if fully enforced, would not only reduce the number of casualties occasioned by accidents being recorded daily as a result of carelessness by the motorcyclists, but would drastically reduce the level of criminality in the state.
A public servant, who identified himself as Enoch Uchenna, shared with Orient Daily, his ordeal in the hands of a motorcyclist who he boarded to work on a particular day.
“These okada boys can be reckless, I tell you. We were approaching a junction when we were stopped by the traffic warden. While others stopped, this guy refused to stop and we were nearly crushed by an oncoming vehicle. It was just God that spared our lives that day.
“Just take a visit to any hospital and you will see the number of people that have been maimed and disfigured for life by these reckless commercial motorcyclists. Honestly, this ban would drastically reduce all these menace,” he said.
Another resident, Earnest Okereke, a businessman, blamed most of the crimes being perpetrated in the state on the commercial cyclists.
“Out of ten criminal cases in the state, eight of them are committed with the aid of motorcycles. Robbers find it rather too convenient to operate with motorcyclists,” he stated.
Speaking to our correspondent however, most of the motorcyclists, expressed sadness over the development, saying the ban would further Impoverish them.
They said the period of ban was the peak of their business, wondering how they would make up for the losses.
“Most of the money I make are realised from 7 – 10pm. Most of my passengers are on the road till 10pm. The ban will really affect our business negatively,” Dele, a cyclist noted.
Another cyclist, Emenike Okafor, described the ban was the height of ingrate of the government.
He wondered why the order was not made before the governorship election, saying the ban only came up now there was nothing at stake.
“They are banning us after we have massively voted for them? The governor knows he would have lost out if he had come up with the ban before election. God will vindicate us,” Emenike said.
On her part, Dorathy Ifebi, who runs a beer parlour in Awka, expressed fear over the number of customers she would lose as a result of the ban.
She said that most of her customers make use of go back home with motorcycles.
“Most of the people that patronize me stay till 9 to 10 pm and only go back home with bikes. So now, they would be forced to leave before 7pm. It is very unfortunate,” she lamented.
