Mixed Reactions Trail Okada Ban In Rivers LGAs

Mixed reactions have
started trailing the recent ban on commercial motorcycles otherwise known as ‘okada’ in four local government areas of Rivers State.
A cross  section of citizens who spoke with our correspondent in Port Harcourt said the ban on ‘Okada’  riders was timely to save further loss of lives and property in those local government areas, while others said it would drastically affect commuters, especially farmers in the areas.
Some of the respondents opined that most criminal activities in these areas were perpetrated through ‘okada’ riders by aiding and abetting, while others attributed it to cult related activities that had brought insecurity in the area.
Mr Geofrey Sunday said the ban was in a right direction as it would ameliorate the rate of crime and criminal activities in the areas, as most of the killings have been associated with this group of operators.
Sunday disclosed that in Ahoada towns, the activities of some motorcycle riders are questionable, therefore the ban is a welcome development.
A commercial bus driver who plies Port Harcourt to Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area, Mr Sunshine Otu also gave his backing to the ban, and noted that with enforcement, there would be sanity in the area.
He said government should also consider the plight of the people who are predominantly farmers that use ‘okada’ to transport their produce to their destinations.
A student, Miss Onyinye Ogoje, in her own contribution said the ban would restrict movement of people as it is from 8pm to 6am, but that government should help provide another means of transportation to take care of the situation before some few commercial taxi and bus drivers take advantage of the situation.
In his view, Sunny Pedro Alabo opined that the ban was okay but sudden as the masses are shocked and surprised with the announcement , saying that even though it is for the good of the people, a time-frame should have been given.
It would be recalled that the Rivers State Government recently banned commercial motorcycles from operating between 5pm and 8am in Ahoada-East, Ahoada-West, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni and Abua/Odual for security reasons.

Collins Barasimeye