The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Okada

  • Okada out, tricycles in

    Okada out, tricycles in

    For quite a spell, commercial motorcycles were everywhere in Kaduna State. Then, one day, the state government banned them, drawing huge protests from not just the motorcyclists but even also the physically challenged. The argument was that the ban would create more problems than it would solve. People would lose their jobs and the many families would be affected, the protesters said. The physically challenged said the ban would adversely affect their movement since their relative often conveyed them on the motorcycles.

    The Mukthar Yero administration was unmoved and soon the ban became law. But the government also fashioned another means to ease the problem which the ban created: providing commercial tricycles. The primary beneficiaries were members of the Association of Commercial Motorcycle Riders of Nigeria (ACOMORON).

    Speaking at the distribution of the tricycles to the beneficiaries in Kaduna, Governor Yero said it was decision of the government to buy the tricycles and distribute same at 50 percent of the initial cost is in “furtherance of our resolve to create job opportunities for our teaming unemployed youths and to improve the general wellbeing of our people. I am happy to inform you that what we are witnessing today is just one out of the several intervention programmes designed to provide palliatives to our people especially those directly affected by the recent ban on activities of commercial motorcyclists”.

    He assured the people of the state that the law banning the operation of commercial motorcycles in the state was not conceived to bring hardship to them, but was aimed at improving security as well as the overall wellbeing of both commuters and operators of commercial motorcycles”.

    Yero said that the government was aware of the initial difficulties faced by the people of the state due to the ban on commercial motorcycles and is ready to cushion the effect through provision of additional means of transportation across affected parts of the State.

    He noted that since the first phase of the beneficiaries of the 700 tricycles distributed in 2013 under the Subsidy Reinvestment Programme kept to the term of the agreement, the government was giving out another set of 1000 tricycles to reduce difficulties of transportation in the urban and semi-urban centers as well as create jobs for people, especially those initially engaged in commercial motorcycle business.

    He said, “These tricycles are to be given to beneficiaries who have been identified by the implementation committee of Kaduna State SURE-P through due diligence at 50% subsidy. In clear terms, the cost of each tricycle is N531,825,00 inclusive of plate number registration, taxes and a 12 months comprehensive insurance cover. Beneficiaries are expected to pay back only 50% of the total cost within a period of 12 months. A beneficiary is however required to make a deposit of N67,000 which is 25% of the subsidised rate before taking the Tricycle this gesture is born out of our genuine commitment to creating means of productive ventures for our youth”. He directed that the tricycles be distributed in area affected by the ban. According to him, Kaduna metropolis comprising Kaduna North and South and some areas affected by the ban in Igabi and Chikun Local Government Areas are to be given 400 units of the tricycles, while Zaria and Sabon Gari will receive 300 units. Kafanchan will get 150 units, while 50 units each will go to the other affected areas of Lere, Birnin-Gwari and Giwa Local Government Areas for use in designated areas affected by the ban.

    He also directed that “in allocating the tricycles, special consideration was given to members of the Commercial Motorcyclists Union. Our decision is informed by the recognition of the immense cooperation of the Union towards the smooth implementation of the law banning the operation of commercial motorcycles in some parts of the state, we intend to continues with our cordial partnership and collaboration with the Union in the development of our dear State”.

    He warned that “government will not tolerate any form of abuse of its kind gesture with regard to use of these tricycles. For the avoidance of doubt, I have directed that these tricycles should be allocated to our citizens on the basis of needs. In other words, only those who will directly use them should be allocated. I have also directed that any beneficiary who is found to be operating his tricycle on third party basis should have it withdrawn and re-allocated to another beneficiary. Government is putting in place designated routes for each of the vehicles. Accordingly, machinery has been put in place to ensure full compliance. This is to ensure that all areas affected by the ban on commercial motorcycles benefit from this distribution. Let me also say that the selection of beneficiaries of our scheme is devoid of partisan or other primordial considerations. We have established channels of communication with relevant stakeholders ranging from traditional institutions, the clergy and eminent sons and daughters of the state, our objective is to ensure that only those who really need to be accommodated in this programme are given the opportunity”.

    The governor believes that citizens of the state can take the opportunity of the new transport law in the state to invest, saying “our economy will benefit immensely if you invest in the transport sector and assist government to fully migrate from the use of motorcycles to tricycles, taxis and buses. We are all aware of the health hazards, traffic risks and security threats associated with the use of motorcycles as a mode of commercial transportation. I will also call on them to take maximum advantage of this opportunity provided by Government. The repayment plan has been designed in such a way that is realistic, convenient and affordable. It is our hope and desire that the scheme will transform your lives from those of unemployed youths to not only being employed but in the nearest future as employers of labour. I must however warn that Government will not condone default in the repayment plans by beneficiary’s failure to abide by the conditions and terms of engagement will lead to confiscation of the tricycle. You must bear in mind that you were chosen from a list of thousands of others who applied, you must therefore work hard to justify your selection.

    Deputy Governor and Chairman of the SURE-P Implementation Committee in the state, Amb. Nuhu Audu Bajoga said that the distribution was in addition to the 700 tricycles distributed by the government in 2013 during the first phase of the SURE-P sectorial Intervention in the transport sector. He stressed that during the first phase, the government distributed of 700 tricycles, 40 Taxis, 35 Mini and 15 Luxurious Buses to various beneficiaries at 50% rebate.  This gesture has had positive impact in the wellbeing of beneficiaries and significantly enhanced Commuter Services in the State. He asked beneficiaries, to judiciously utilize these tricycles by sustaining the current atmosphere of orderliness as currently being witnessed in commuter services in the metropolis and environs.

    Some analysts in the state has however criticise the amount being paid for the tricycles which they consider as too expensive. Yakubu Musa, a resident of the metropolis told The Nation that giving out a tricycle at the cost of N531,000 is too expensive. He said: “even though they are supposed to pay half of that amount, I must tell you that N531,000 can give you a good car which you can use for commercial purpose. If you consider the fact that these tricycles are not strong, you will realise that the investment is not really worth it. In any case, I commend the government for having the political will to make the investment. But our fear right now is that these tricycles may turn out to be more troublesome than the commercial motorcyclists.”

  • Okada riders sue Lagos for N1b over ‘illegal’ arrest

    Operators of commercial  motorcycle, popularly called  okada, have sued  the Lagos State Government for N1 billion at a Federal High Court.

    They filed a fundamental human rights suit last week against the state  claiming the amount as damages for alleged illegal arrests, detention of their members,  illegal confiscation and forfeiture of their motorcycles without due process.

    The operators, under the aegis of All Nigerians Automobile Commercial Owners and Workers Association (ANACOWA), through their counsel, Wakeel Liadi,  are praying the court to declare among others, “that the arrest and detention of okada riders on unprohibited routes is illegal, unlawful and a gross violation of their fundamental rights”.

    They are also seeking a declaration that the Task Force cannot arrest, detain and seize their motorcycles being vehicles not abandoned on the streets.

    Joined in the suit, no FHC/L/ CS/ 756/2014, is the Attorney-General of Lagos State, Chairman of Lagos Task Force, Commissioner of Police, Attorney-General of Federation and the National Assembly of Nigeria.

    In the supporting affidavit, the riders claimed that the state government has infringed on their fundamental rights.

    They listed such rights to include right to freedom of movement, dignity of human person, personal liberty, right to own movable properties, right to defence and right to receive information.

    Not challenging the legality or otherwise of the state Road Traffic Law 2012, the okada riders claim that the Task Force has made it a routine in arresting them on streets and routes not prohibited by law.

    They also claimed that over 7,000 okada seized have been impounded and forfeited to the state without first obtaining court orders to do so.

    According to them, the state government cannot be a judge in its own case.

    No date has been fixed for the hearing.

  • Controversy over okada ban in Kaduna

    Controversy over okada ban in Kaduna

    The sun is about to set on the source of livelihood of some residents of Kaduna State, while some others will soon be smiling to the bank.

    The State House of Assembly has given legal backing to plans by the government to ban the operation of commercial motorcycles in 10 local government areas of the state or alleged security reasons. Government officials believe that the ban would ease security in the state as commercial motorcyclists have often been accused of complicity in the activities of criminals and insurgents within the metropolis.

    The idea of banning the operation of commercial motorcyclists in the state was first mooted by the Yakowa administration shortly after the 2011 elections, but the commercial motorcyclists protested against the decision and the government backpedalled. The idea came up again in the early days of the Yero administration and it is believed that it was then that the government forwarded a bill to the House to give legal backing to the plan.

    The law which stipulates a fine of N10,000 or three months in prison has been received with mixed feeling across the state. While some welcome it, others warn against the ban, saying it will increase unemployment and insecurity in the state.

    However, the law gives a 14-day reprieve after which offenders will be arrested and prosecuted. While the government said it is working out an alternative means, residents of the state are wondering why the alternative was not worked out before the law was passed. The law which repealed the state road traffic regulation No 1 of 2002 states that “notwithstanding the provisions of the Kaduna state Commercial Motorcycles law No 4 of 1999, the Road Traffic Law cap 135 Laws of Kaduna state 1991 (including any regulations made in pursuance thereof), no commercial motorcyclist shall operate in some parts of Kaduna state as specified in the schedule”.

    It said further that: “Any person who conveys a passenger shall be deemed a commercial motorcyclist and shall be treated as such. Any person who contravenes the provisions of the law shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable upon conviction to a fine not exceeding N10,000 or three months imprisonment or both. Any subsequent offender will pay to a fine not exceeding N20,000 or six months imprisonment or both.

    All magistrate courts in the areas designated in the schedule shall try summarily all offenders arraigned before them and impose such punishment, sanctions and make such order (including confiscation of the motorcycles) as may be necessary or expedient. Notwithstanding section 3 (1), no person shall be arrested for violating the provisions of this law until the expiration of 14 days from the date of the commencement of this law”. Local government areas affected by the ban include Kaduna North, Kaduna South, Chikun, Igabi, Sabon Gari, Zaria, Jama’a, Lere, Birnin Gwari and Giwa.

    While Kaduna North and South are to be fully covered by the ban, areas affected in Chikun local government include Ungwan Yelwa, Sabon Tasha, Mararaban Rido, Narayi, Ungwan Romi, Gonin Gora, Kamazo, Ungwan Boro, Nasarawa, Trikania, Kudenda; while Rigassa, Mando and Rigachikwu are to be affected in Igabi local government area.

    The local government areas to be affected include Sabon Gari, Samaru, Bassawa and Hanwa while Zaria city, Wusasa, Gyellesu, Tudun Wada, Gwargwaji, Kaskiya, Tukur Tukur, Magume, Dan Magaji, Local government layout, Police Barracks, State Polytechnic are to be affected by the ban in Zaria local government.

    The law further states that Kafanchan metropolis excluding surrounding villages is to be affected in Jama’a local government while in Lere, Commercial motorcyclists will no longer be allowed along Abadawa-Ungwan Bawa along the Jos-Zaria, Low Cost –Jaja Village along Kano-Zango road.

    In Birnin Gwari local government, areas affected by the ban include Ungwan Nachibi along Birnin Gwari-Funtua road, Kwadaga and Janbirni villages (off Birnin Gwari/Funtua Road and Dogon Dawa/Kaduna Road, while in Giwa (Farin Ruwa/Zaria Road and Mararaban Yakawada/Kuyelo Road will be affected.

    While not completely opposed to the ban, the All Progressive Congress (APC) in the state  warned the government to refrain from going ahead with the implementation of the law until the proposed alternatives to commercial motorcyclists is provided by the government.

    Interim Chairman of the APC in the state, Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed also said that adequate measures taken to ensure that commercial motorcyclists are direct beneficiaries of those measures before the ban is imposed.

    In a statement made available to The Nation, the APC said: “The state All Progressive Congress (APC) is aware that the Kaduna state House of Assembly has approved the bill which will outlaw commercial motorcycles (Achaba) in many parts of the state. In view of the distinct possibility that the governor of Kaduna state will sign the bill into law, the APC wishes to place on record its strong reservations over the propriety of this law in a state like Kaduna. We appeal to Governor Yero not to sign this bill into law because far from improving security in the state, the law will compound it. The law banning Achaba will worsen the state of unemployment in the state and deepen poverty. It will impose huge suffering on millions of people whose livelihood depend on the availability of commercial motorcyclists and will raise the cost of living in a state where the economy is already in severe decline.

    “While we support the need to take measures to improve security, we strongly advise that alternatives to commercial motorcyclists should be provided by government first and adequate measures taken to ensure that commercial motorcyclists are direct beneficiaries of those measures before the ban is imposed. All steps also need to be taken to ease potential hardship on users and the entire economies which depend on availability of the facility. We invite the attention of the legislators; including APC legislators and the state governor that they have responsibility to ensure that they do not worsen the security and economic livelihood of citizens”.

    Director General, Media and Publicity to the governor, Ahmed Maiyaki told The Nation that the government was working out an alternative to caution to effect of the ban. He explainedthat the ban was necessary in view of the security threat posed by their operation. He said “if you recall, the operation of these group of transporters have been banned in Sokoto, Kano, Niger, FCT and some other places. We have carried out a survey and discovered that many of those operating in Kaduna are not actually from Kaduna here. They came from other states where their operations have been banned. If you are going somewhere, you have to know your way very well and describe it for them. Otherwise, you will be lost. Also, there is the aspect of security and the 2015 elections. We realised that many of these people are not registered voters in Kaduna and cannot vote here. But they can be used to cause trouble just like it happened in 2011 during the Presidential election”.

  • Kaduna Assembly bans okada in 10 local govts

    Kaduna Assembly bans okada in 10 local govts

    The Kaduna State House of Assembly has banned commercial motorcyclists, popularly called okada, from operating in 10 of the 23 local government areas.

    The law, which is yet to be signed by Governor Ramalan Yero, stipulates a N10,000 fine or three months imprisonment.

    The law repealed the State Road Traffic regulation No 1 of 2002.

    The law, which is to be cited as the State Commercial Motorcycles Prohibition Law, 2014 states: “Notwithstanding the provisions of the State Commercial Motorcycles Law No 4 of 1999, the Road Traffic Law Cap 135 Laws of Kaduna State 1991 (including any regulations made in pursuance thereof), no commercial motorcyclist shall operate in some parts of Kaduna State as specified in the schedule.

    “All magistrate courts in the areas designated in the schedule shall try summarily all offenders arraigned before them and impose such punishment, sanctions and make such order (including confiscation of the motorcycles) as may be necessary or expedient.”

    The affected local governments are Kaduna North, Kaduna South, Chikun, Igabi, Sabon Gari, Zaria, Jama’a, Lere, Birnin Gwari and Giwa.

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Association of Commercial Motorcyclists of Nigeria have urged the government to refrain from implementing the law.

    A statement by the APC Interim Chairman, Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, said the proposed ban would further worsen insecurity and unemployment in the state.

    The statement reads: “The APC wishes to voice its strong reservations over the propriety of this law in a state like Kaduna.

    “We appeal to Governor Yero not to sign this bill because the law will compound insecurity.

    “The law banning Achaba will worsen unemployment and deepen poverty. It will impose huge suffering on millions of people whose livelihood depends on the availability of commercial motorcyclists and will raise the cost of living in a state where the economy is already in severe decline.

    The union said even though it has not been briefed, carrying out the plan would worsen insecurity and increase unemployment.

    Their spokesman, Idris Mohammed, said before enforcing the ban, the government ought to make alternative provision to cushion its effect on commercial motorcyclists and the public.

    He dismissed insinuations that commercial motorcyclists are aiding and abetting criminals.

    Mohammed argued that the ban would affect the over 100,000 members of the union, including those banned from other neighbouring states of Plateau, Kano, Niger and the FCT.

  • Misery in Niger over okada ban

    Misery in Niger over okada ban

    On January 2, Niger State government banned commercial motorcycles, popularly called okada, as a means of public transportation. They were barred in major cities, including Minna, the state capital.

    This was part of the implementation of the new traffic law, which people have tagged “Governor Babangida Aliyu’s New Year gift”.

    Nobody envisaged the degree of suffering and the multiple adverse effects the ban would have on the lifestyle and economic well-being of residents of the city.

    This law, residents say, has brought indescribable hardship on the people as it restricted their movements, forced people in the hinterland of the city to trek long distances before accessing any of the buses or tricycles (Keken Talba) and crippled businesses.

    As government had canvassed, the ban was not a sort of punitive measure on the people. Rather, it argued, it was a measure aimed at curbing various forms of vices allegedly carried out by operators of motor cycles.

    The state government was not unmindful of the pains the ban had inflicted on the citizens. It was in this light that government rolled out some vehicles and tricycles recently.

    The flooding of the city with 1,000 units of tricycle popularly called as Keken Talba, 12 units of 100-seater BRT buses and eight units of 18-seater buses by the state government was expected to cushion the adverse effects of the ban.

    Initial confusion that greeted the ban forced the government to declare that the ban was total with the exception of registered privately-owned motorcycles.

    But at that, owners of private motorcycles have some hurdles to cross before their motor cycles could be on the road. Aside from registering the bikes, they are not allowed to carry anybody not even their spouse or child. The bikes are expected to be used only by the owners.

    Since the enforcement of the ban, there has been a pot pourri of reactions. Pains, sorrow and frustrations are features of the city. The complaints are chiefly over gross inadequacy of the tricycles, arbitrary charges by Keken Talba operators, inability of the tricycles to convey passengers to the hinterland of the city and refusal of the tricycle operators to ply remote and new.

    Though the tricycles, taxis and BRT buses were on the road, especially along the major routes, there are still large number of people at various junctions, streets and road sides waiting endlessly to be taken to their various destinations.

    Women, especially pregnant ones, nursing mothers and children are the worst hit. They are always seen at bus stops on the streets of Minna waiting patiently for Keken Talba under the unfriendly harsh harmattan weather. Majority of the residents have resorted to trekking to save time.

    Mohammed Yabagi, a civil servant who lives in Gbaiko area of the city and works at the state Secretariat in Tunga, a distance of about 15 kilometres, expressed disgust over the ban.

    He said: “I had to trek from my house in Gbaiko to Dusen Kura area before I could get Keken Talba. I also had to trek back home as tricycle operators are not willing to go into my area and any of them that agrees to go always mention throat-cutting price as his charge. By the time I got to the office in the morning, I got fagged out and at home I had to massage my legs and muscles because of the pains I experience.

    “A colleague said he had to board three tricycles to get to the office. Things have not been easy for us at all, especially those of us that don’t have cars. The ban is not fair. If the government did not have enough tricycles, they shouldn’t have banned bikes.”

    Hajiya Memuna Dada gets to Kure Market (the township market) where she sells vegetables late every day since the ban came into force.

    “I have to trek from Tayi to Bosso Road and in most cases taxis from Bosso and even the few Keken Talba are always filled before they get to Bahago Secondary School, the nearest place where I can get tricycle or car.

    “We have to wait endlessly to get transported to Obasanjo Shopping Complex or Mobil, before we get connected to the market. There is no direct means of transportation, unlike when okada was in operation. There is no day I don’t get to market late,” the mother of four lamented.

    If the new law has dealt hardship on the people within its first two weeks Malam Ahmed Ibrahim, a school teacher of Saiko quarters predicted more hard time when schools resume.

    He said: “Though government has provided buses and designated some for school children before the ban, the fact is that these buses were not enough. Most students still come to school on okada and now that they have been banned, I am afraid we are in for a big problem.

    “The fact is that the few students that have returned to school are coming late.  Some of them said the buses dedicated to them are being used to convey people.”

    If people are complaining of inadequate tricycles or buses, Hajiya Ramatu Moh’d Naibi fondly called Hajiya Nnawo Mai Tuwo is counting her losses. Her popular “Tuwo- Mia Wake” eatery along Yoruba Road in the heart of the city is now a ghost of itself. Her patrons, who are mainly okada riders, have deserted her eatery following the ban.

    In the past, motorists had to go on snail-speed meandering long queues of okada packed on both sides of the road every afternoon when commercial motorcyclists struggled for space to park their bikes when patronising Hajiya Nnawo’s eatery.

    But today, the over 20-year-old outlet is a shadow of itself and Hajiya Nnawo was quick to blame her misfortune on the okada ban.

    “The ban has killed my business. Okada riders account for well over 95 per cent of my patrons. Before the ban, I used to prepare and sell between six and seven giant sized pots of Tuwo before 4:00 p.m. daily but these days, we struggle to sell one pot.

    “Before now, the seven people I engaged to serve were grossly inadequate, now the two girls serving for me are under- utilised. The ban was without human face. I’m sure many other food vendors like me are feeling the pinch,” Hajiya Nnawo said.

    The case of Mr. Calistus Nwadialo, a motorcycle dealer would have been like Hajiya Nnawo’s. He was lucky to find places to push his stock to. By middle of December last year, he took delivery of three truck-loads of motorcycles of different sizes. Initially, he thought government will extend the January 2 date but when it became glaring that government was resolute in its decision, he had to find a way of disposing the consignment. He was lucky he did.

    “I would have gone under but I had to quickly distribute my stock to Bida, Suleja and Kontagora. Though this was at an extra cost, I thank God I was able to recoup my investment.

    “Thank God we had another outlet of selling the motorcycles. This is how we have been able to survive the ban. I had over 500 motorcycles when the law came into force. I thank God we sold over 300 in Kebbi State through my Kontagora outlet.”

    The ban has also resulted in new tricycle sellers springing up in the town. Within the first two weeks of the ban on okada, private tricycle sellers had opened shops along Bosso Road, Kateregi Road and Western Bye-Pass to meet the shortfall in the 1,000 tricycles provided by government.

    It is also all smiles for tricycles operators in the town. They are making good fortune, as they cash in on the shortage to maximise profit. No wonder the officials of the Amalgamated Associations of Commercial Motorcycle Owners of Nigeria (ACOMOROAN), penultimate Monday, praised government for the ban.

    Speaking through its state Chairman Alhaji Musa Ishyaku during a “thank you” solidarity visit to the governor at the Government House, Minna the association pledged its loyalty to the governor for the step taken, adding that the ban on okada has brought sanity to public transportation in the state capital and reduced accidents.

    Despite the hues and cries by the people, the state Governor, Dr. Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu vowed not to rescind his decision on the ban he placed on operators of commercial motorcycles.

    He assured the people that adequate arrangements had been made to cushion the effects of the ban, even as he added that the people would get used to it with time.

  • Niger enforces ban on Okada

    Niger enforces ban on Okada

    Commuters in Minna, the Niger State capital, were yesterday stranded, following the enforcement of the ban on commercial motorcycle operators, popularly known as Okada.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that most residents had a difficult time getting the buses and tricycles provided by the government.

    The vehicles charged between N30 and N50 per drop, which most of the residents said were affordable.

    Malam Haruna Shehu, a businessman, complained that the vehicles provided were not adequate.

    “Even though the fares are cheap, since morning I have seen just a few buses.

    “I don’t think that is enough to cater for the teeming population, who depend on Okada,” he said.

    Another resident, Reng Ali, said with the new development, he now had to trek far to get a tricycle to take him to work daily.

    “The problem with the ban is that these buses and tricycles don’t ply every route like the Okada does.

    Another commuter, Kehinde Abdulsalam, said:”I didn’t have it easy today, but I cannot go on complaining because it would not change anything, sometimes we have to make sacrifices.”

    It was observed that security personnel were out on major roads arresting defaulters of the ban.

  • Okada operators in Surulere ask government for alternative job

    Residents of Surulere 2 constituency in Lagos have appealed to the state government to take a second look at the routes commercial motorcycle operators are prevented from operating in the area.

    The residents made the appeal at a town hall meeting organised by their representative at the Lagos State House of Assembly, Dr. Abdurrazaq Balogun. It was held at the Aguda praying ground in Surulere.

    The state traffic law especially as it affects the operation of commercial motor cyclists was a major contentious issue at the town hall meeting with the operators calling on government to provide them alternative jobs as they have been denied their only source of livelihood.

    Balogun, who is the Chief Whip in the House, reminded the people that it was a state-wide law and does not apply only to the constituency but that like all laws it is subject to review. While advising them to maintain law and order he assured the Okada riders that the government was working at providing them with alternative jobs urging them to be patient.

    According to him, the town hall meeting was to get feedback from constituents on their needs and expectations from government and to hear from them how well they think the government has performed.

    The meeting focused generally on activities of government, legislations passed in the state and how they have impacted on the people. Residents stressed the need for development of infrastructure like roads, drainage, water, schools etc in the constituency.

    In his keynote address, Balogun said that Lagos State is a symbol of good governance, “painstakingly meeting up with the demands of a mega city”, pointing out that “even with the minimal financial allocations from the Federal Government in relation to her population, the state has continued to render excellent services due to the astuteness and sincerity of our public office holders who have managed the state resources adequately”.

    In view of the special position and needs of the state, Balogun reiterated the call for a special grant allocation from the Federal Government to Lagos State based on her status as a former capital and the commercial hub of Nigeria.

    Core participants at the meeting were non-partisan members in the constituency including: CDCs, CDAs, landlord associations, NURTW, traders and artisans. Executive committee members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), leaders and other party members were also in attendance.

    Showering encomium on Balogun for a “wonderful job” he has been doing in the legislative House over the years, Chief D. O. Adenekan, an APC leader in Itire/Ikate, in his welcome address said the lawmaker “has been an icon of success since his foray into politics, pointing out that he has always enjoyed the privilege of leadership role right from his first term in the House.

    “Balogun’s actions and how he discharges his duties speak volume of his tenacity for prudence and accountability in relation to public affairs and I can say he has been representing his constituency very well”, Adenekan said.

     

  • FG asks states to ban okada operations

    STATE governments across the country and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have been asked to ban the use of motorcycle as means of public transportation.

    In a communiqué issued yesterday in Abuja at the end of the 13th Council meeting on transport held in Lagos, participants agreed for the Nigeria Inland Waterways Agency (NIWA) to establish an office at Alape in Ilaje local council of Ondo State.

    This gesture, according to the communiqué, was to strengthen operations of the agency and ensure safety of the waterways.

    It reads, “The federal and state governments should facilitate the transformation of the road sector through the PPP Initiative and where tolling is part of that strategy, ensure the provision of an alternative route

    “States should discourage the use of commercial motorcycles as a means of public transportation.

    “NIWA should consider the establishment of Inland River Port at Alape, Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State for implementation in line with its development plans for the development of Inland Waterways.”

    The council resolved to absorb indigenous freight forwarders to participate in government contracts which have freight components.

    Moreover, the Federal Ministry of Works and Transport were tasked to facilitate the construction of bridges around interstate corridors in order to increase span of the nation’s highways.

    According to the council, laws which had restricted state governments from embarking on federal infrastructures needed to be reviewed.

    It further stated that “state governments are encouraged to establish functional Vehicle Inspection Offices (VIO) to ensure proper road safety enforcement, drivers’ license processing and road worthiness testing.

    “Council resolved that all parties should ensure full implementation and respect for the tripartite arrangement in place for the Unified National Drivers Licence Scheme, as it relates to states and FRSC such that the process starts and ends with the state accredited agency.

    “Council resolved that NIWA should consider the dredging of shallow areas of inland waterways, provide navigational aids and remove wrecks littering the inland waterways.”

  • Day Bayelsa celebrated ban of okada

    Day Bayelsa celebrated ban of okada

    On August 31, last year, activities of commercial motorcyclists popularly known as okada were banned in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State capital, by the administration of Governor Seriake Dickson.

    The government acted on public outcries that commercial motorcycles were the reasons behind the rising cases of death and disabilities, armed robberies and chaotic traffic situation in Yenagoa.

    But, despite the complaints, there were mixed feelings when the government restricted commercial motorcyclists to the hinterland and introduced a new transport scheme christened Restoration Cabs in the capital city.

    As part of the new transport scheme, the government acquired 200 cars and 36 buses to cushion the effects of okada’s exit.

    Fears mounted. Residents recalled that similar schemes by past administrations had hit the brick wall. They remembered that such schemes were used as political patronage as politicians who were loyal to the government cornered the cars and converted them to personal use.

    They recollected the taxes acquired for public use which disappeared from the roads and streets. They were only seen in churches, events, relaxation spots and homes of their beneficiaries.

    But after one year, the doubting ‘Thomases’ are surprised at the dogged manner in which the governor has managed the scheme through the Transport Ministry headed by Mrs. Marie Ebikake.

    Therefore, it was with pride that Mrs Ebikake and her members of staff, the state chapter of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), government officials, Restoration Cab drivers and other stakeholders in the transport sector assembled recently at the Banquet Hall to celebrate the one-year success of the scheme.

    Ebikake, who was particularly happy that she had not failed the people and the governor, rewarded 30 drivers of the cabs. She said such drivers should henceforth take their cars home and remit only N2000 daily to the ministry, instead of N2,500. They were selected for maintaining their cars well.

    She, however, said others who were not among the awardees should continue to park their cabs at the surroundings of the Banquet Hall after their daily operations. She appreciated them by also reducing their daily remittances to N2,000.

    The commissioner attributed her success to the operators, her ministry’s staff and the transparency initiated by the governor of the state.

    She said: “ Previous administrations started this programme. Every administration that came onboard had taxi to empower the masses but no one could survive the way we have survived today.

    “We started with 200 cabs and then we had about 36 buses. People thought when we started that it was going to be a failed story like the previous ones.”

    Ebikake further explained the technology behind the management of the scheme.

    She said: “Today, you cannot run away with our cabs, we will catch you. Even as l sleep on my bed l can see you and l will catch you. That is the level of technology we are using to track these vehicles. I am sure some of you remembered how we went to Ogoni to bring in a cab.”

    Though she observed that 11 of the 200 cars were involved in accident during the period, she said it was not a bad ratio. She asked drivers, who were not among the awardees, to be more committed and dedicated in their duties.

    “If you don’t hear your name today, try harder because we are going to be doing this thing quarterly. I am also aware that many of you have empowered yourself with this programme. You own your houses, pay your house rents and take care of your families,” she said.

    She added that the ministry had taken delivery of nine simulators valued at N50m ($336,000) from the New York, the economic capital of America. She said that the simulators were acquired to equip the newly constructed driving school in Yenagoa adding that the simulators were being installed at the driving school.

    She said the school would be commissioned soon. She added that seven of the simulators were acquired to train operators of cars while two were dedicated for articulated vehicle trainees.

    She said the government also sent five engineers to New York for training on the use of the simulators. She said the transport sector was doing well in the state because of the transparent manner it was being managed by the ministry.

    She said: “We have come to realise that most people don’t know how to drive and we have to go digital not analogue at all times. In Bayelsa State, there are many things going on.

    “We are not using fairly used cars to teach you how to drive; we are using what we called simulators. We just took delivery of them from New York about a week ago. We also sent five of our engineers to New York.

    “These simulators are equipment to train drivers. You are inside the classroom hall sitting and driving as if you are driving on the road.”

    The Commissioner for Lands and Survey, Mr. Fredi Akeni, praised Mrs Ebikake for her commitment.

    He said: “We need to appreciate when somebody has done well. Transport programmes had emerged previously but they were not sustained due to one reason or the other.

    “But our friend is resolute to ensure that no big man or small man hijack the programme. We are aware that previously when taxes like that came up to benefit people, some persons would hijack it and pack these cars in their home. But she was able to fight the battle and the taxes were delivered to the beneficiaries.”

    He appealed to drivers of the cabs to improve in their operations by ensuring zero tolerance to accident.

    “11 were daunted within this period out of 200. We need to be more careful. Accidents don’t just happen but they are caused. Try to observe road signs,” he said.

    Also, the state Chairman, NURTW, Mr. Eribo ThankGod, said the union was happy with the administration of Dickson and the leadership qualities of Mrs Ebikake. He, however, played the Oliver Twist by appealing to the government to do more in lifting the downtrodden.

    Furthermore, the state Chairman of the Road Transport Employees Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), Mr. Chris Adokeme, said he was elated at the way the scheme has been managed.

     

  • Okada kills NSCDC man in Jos

    A volunteer member of the National Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Jos, the Plateau State capital, Nanjul Aliyu, has been killed by a commercial motorcyclist (Okada) on the Tudunwada-Mado Road in Jos North Local Government Area.

    The late Aliyu was reportedly crossing the road when he was knocked down by the commercial motorcyclist.

    There has been a ban on commercial motorcycles in Jos township since April, last year. But the ban has not been effective because some of the operators still operates in communities within the metropolis.

    The Public Relations Officer of the state command of NSCDC, Chris Santos, confirmed the incident.

    He said Aliyu was a volunteer under the state command of the NSCDC.

    Santos said the late Aliyu was posted to a Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) mega station, on the Jos-Bukuru Expressway, adding that he was returning from duty when the accident occurred.

    Santos said: “The accident occurred at 5.30pm as the deceased attempted to cross the road to buy a loaf of bread, after returning home from his beat. The accident occurred near the deceased’s home in Tudunwada.

    “Aliyu went into coma immediately and was rushed to the Plateau Specialist Hospital. But when his condition became critical, he was referred to the Bhingham University Teaching Hospital (BUTH), Jos, where he died.”