Reasons Obiano Should Be Applauded Over Restrictions On Okada

EMMANUEL ANIAGOH

Majority of ndi Anambra,  mainly in Awka and Onitsha, from available statistics,  were of the view that Okada (motorcycles used for transport business) should be banned in the state.

One of the most important factors which should be taken into consideration, when driving or riding on any road is the safety of the people being transported. The safety of lives, goods and commodities being conveyed from one destination to another, is highly important.

Some who patronised Okada riders met their untimely death due to the reckless manner in which the motorcycle riders manoeuvred major highways and disobeyed traffic laws.

Ordinarily, motorcycles were not meant for public transportation, so I do not see why it should be legalised. And those tagging this policy of our amiable Governor as against the poor, please be informed that it is not in any way against the poor. Okada as it is popularly called were not completely banned on the entire Anambra roads. There were marked roads where they restricted from plying.

The fundamental reason for this ban was to nip the crime rate in the bud; to reduce high okada accident-related deaths and permanent disabling injuries; and of course for the safety of the entire road users.

While few still held the view that a ban on Okada might increase the rate of crime in the affected areas. The truth however, was that those who held that view were in the minority and not just that such shallow and unpopular view held no water.

What majority of ndi Anambra wanted was an outright ban on Okada. The latter believe Okada had done more harm to the safety of commuters than good.

The people-oriented Governor had done well to cushion the temporary set back that might come along with the ban by releasing ₦765,000,000 to enable them purchase shuttle buses as a better alternative. The fund can be access through the Anambra State Small Business Agency (ASBA).

Therefore, below are few of the reasons why every right thinking resident should applaud the Governor:

*1. Provision of a much better alternative.*

As highlighted earlier, the ban on Okada came with a much better option. The loan which is highly accessible, gives commercial cyclists something better to fall back on. And this can only come from a government that has the interest and well being of its citizenry at heart.

*2. Reduction of the rate of accident*

There were different safety measures the Okada riders do flout. The helmet which served as a head safety device was hardly used by Okada riders or their passengers. So such exposure to an avoidable accident will be reduce to the barest minimum.

*3. Violation of traffic laws*

Okada riders were the worst when it came to disobeying traffic laws. They were often seen riding against the traffic. They were seen zooming past moving vehicles unexpectedly. They risked their lives by riding on the expressways and major highways. They even rode on pavements and walkways meant for pedestrians.

*4. Constitute nuisance.*

Everyone will agree that Okada riders were more than menace on the roads. They added no value to the aesthetics of Anambra State. In some cases when traffic was building up, they were seen riding on areas demarcated or marked out areas meant for flowers and trees to beautify the state.

Summarily, there was no doubt that the ban was bound to inflict temporary pains and stress on Awka and Onitsha road users who daily patronized these commercial motorcyclists. But I am in no doubt that the long term benefits that will come in the nature of saved lives and limbs, less chaos and indiscipline on road usage and a more decent and effective transportation system, far outstripped the temporary pains that were bound to come with this decision.

I therefore appeal to residents of Awka and Onitsha to support the State Government and give this new traffic law a chance to succeed for all of us to benefit a sound and clean environment.

God bless Gov Willie Obiano!

God bless Anambra State!