Okada: Union Blames Govt For Failure Of Vest Use

Oliver Ezeobiakor, Enugu State Chairman, Commercial Motorcycle Operators Union, has blamed failure of the union’s members to agree to use security vests on lack of enforcement by relevant government agencies.

Ezeobiakor told newsmen on Wednesday in Enugu that if government had enforced the directive, it would have enabled the union to determine genuine commercial motorcycle operators.

“Without this vest it will be difficult for us to know those hiding under ‘Okada’ to commit crimes thereby smearing our image and reputation.

“When effectively implemented, we will be empowered to impound and prosecute those who operate commercial motorcycles in the state that are not our members,’’ he said.

He lamented that most of the violators of government directives on operations of commercial motorcycles in Enugu were security operatives.

Ezeobiakor said the union held several meetings with security agencies in the state over the development but expressed disappointment that their activities continued unabated.

“In just a day’s raid, 33 military men, 45 policemen and seven civilians were arrested for operating beyond 7 P.M. as well as plying dual carriage ways.

“We will use our taskforce to ensure strict compliance with the directive if we are authorised by government. No union member will violate the law,’’ he said.

When contacted, the Commissioner for Transport, Mr. Luke Mmamel, said the ministry lacked effective logistics for enforcement of the directives.

He also noted that uniformed men were part of the problems that stalled implementation of government directives on Okada operations in the state.

“With the ban on okada by neighbouring states, most of the operators from these states moved down to Enugu.