Since the pronouncement of commercial motorcycle ban popularly known as Okada in Asaba Capital Territory by the Delta State Government on Thursday, May 23, 2024, after rising from the State Executive meeting held in Government House, Asaba, there have been mixed reactions from Deltans on the ban.
Chief Sunday Ikemedima, resident of Okpanam in Oshimili North Local Government Area of the State, said it has become necessary for concerned Deltans to react to the current trend on the ban of Motorcycle.
He made a passionate appeal to the Governor, Rt (Hon) Sheriff Oborevwori to reconsider the decision on the ban of commercial motorcycle because many Deltans depend on it as a means of transportation.
According to Chief Ikemedima, “in Okpanam axis, many residents use motorcycle as the only means of transportation to go to their various homes”.
He explained that he acknowledges the significant challenges that will be faced by the residents of Okpanam if the ban finally take effect on June 1, 2024.
Also he emphasized that this course of action on Okada ban, needs the intervention of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori at this critical time to address the issue.
Despite the crime and havoc done with commercial motorcycle in Asaba Capital territory, government should endeavor to shift ground for the sake of the citizens of Delta State who use it for hire purchase business which generates income that helps them in taking care of their families.
He however maintained that these persons have assisted the government in contributing to creating self employment for the teeming youths who are engaged in riding of motorcycle, which has drastically reduced the unemployment problem ravaging the state, said lkemedima.
Chief Ikemedima argued it is not only the Okada rider that will be affected but those involved in the sales of motorcycle, spare parts and repairs in Asaba Capital Territory.
Ikemedima stated “Those in Ogbeozoma, Obodogwugwu, OgbeObi, Obodogba, Nwawolor, last Redeem sites in Okpanam cannot do without Motorcycle because of the distance problem”.
He expresses his concern on the poor road network in these areas because many parents transport their children to school with commercial motorcycle.
He further advised the government to look inward on the issue of ban on Motorcycle to avoid deteriorating situation in the face of a falling economy.
Chief Ikemedima notified the Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori to carry out an independent investigation on these areas that made up Asaba Capital Territory if they can survive without commercial moorcycle as means of transportation. Stressing that most political appointees who have properties in these areas can attest to the fact that there are no good roads to enable them overcome the challenges of motorcycle ban.
He suggested that the ban of motorcycle should only be linked to major roads not streets and junctions in the Asaba Capital Territory.
