BY GODWIN IJEDIOGOR
THE Delta State Government, on Thursday, May 23, banned the use of commercial motorcycle, otherwise known as Okada, as a means of transportation within the state capital territory.
The government also outlawed scavenging for scrap metal, otherwise known as ‘iron condemn,’ in the state capital, Asaba, with immediate effect.
Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr. Kingsley Emu, who disclosed this in Asaba, while briefing journalists on the outcome of the State Executive Council (SEC) meeting, presided over by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, said the ban, which was necessitated by the preponderance of crime being committed with Okada and the increasing cases of vandalism of public facilities by scavengers, takes effect Friday, May 25, while strict enforcement would commence June 1.
Emu clarified that the ban implied that no ‘iron condemn’ cart pusher would operate in any part of the state capital territory after May 31, adding that commercial motorcycle operations had also been prohibited in some parts of the capital territory not covered by earlier ban.
The SSG said adequate sensitisation campaign would be mounted before the commencement of enforcement, insisting that the ban was not targeted at any particular tribe, but in the interest of the state’s peace and security.
Emu, flanked by some commissioners and top government officials, stated: “The biggest news on traffic regulations is the ban or prohibition of commercial motorcycle, popularly known as Okada, effective tomorrow. All okada riders in all the streets of the Delta State capital territory area are banned, forthwith.
“If you are caught, we will confiscate and destroy the okada, as well as other massive sanctions, in terms of fines and a possible jail term.
“This decision has become imperative arising from the huge security challenges that we have. Our people are openly violated, families are raped and the people who commit these crimes easily run away on okada.
“In Delta Capital Territory Development area, it’s total and outright ban in all the areas. It is important that we do this to protect the lives and property of people.
“We understand that there are some few innocent people, but the preponderance of crime being perpetrated with okada has necessitated this decision. It has been a major issue at the security council meeting severally and, thereafter, Exco concluded today.”
Emu added: “There are also other designated streets in Ethiope East, Ika North East, Oshimili North and South, Sapele, Uwvie and Warri South Local Government Areas affected. These regulations are being enforced since 2012, 2013, 2014, with improvements on them. But it has never been operational.
“All these regulations came at the peak of security challenges. When it was a little bit under control, it was relaxed and there was no strong sanctions to deter people. It has now become imperative that it must be enforced.
“We are going to give up till May 31 for people to adjust and comply. Effective June 1, all the security agencies will be engaged to enforce compliance. We will crush all the seized okadas in the public place.
“Oshimili North and South have also, in their respective By-laws, banned ‘iron condemn’ or scrap metal scavenging. Effective tomorrow (May 24), we expect them to wind down their activities and as from June 1, enforcement will start.
“We do know the type of havoc these people have brought to the system, how our transformer cables have been vandalised and even assets in our private homes.
“We can not fold our hands as a state. Laws are always made in the interest of the larger population. We will give enough notice to them. We will publicise all the streets involved.”
