Okada ban spree; The Benin Version

"I do not know how I will pull through with this; my Daughter in Auchi Poly is yet to be through, my Son in Uniben is in 500Level. When this ban takes effect, how do I cater for them both?"

As our Nation grapples with the inconsistencies of Government policies in all sector of our National life, it is pertinent for these Demagogues to understand the basic principles that makes a society fit for living-the basic needs of Man.

The opening quote, more of a lamentation than a complain, was the plight of a commercial motorcycle (Okada) rider in Benin. Boarding his bike on Saturday to convey me to where I was putting up in the 'City', the Old Man, apparently not aware he was talking so loud to no one in particular, started recounting how he has been able to see his Children to the level they are, and the looming tragedy that may become their fate as undergraduates.

The banning of Okada in Benin City (just as in Lagos), am not saying is a bad policy, but the ban became outrageous when it was announced to be 'total', that is, no Okada is to be allowed on any street in the City of Benin. Much as I respect the Comrade Governor whom I have met and spoke with a couple of times, I strongly hold a differing view on the pronounced ban of Okada in Benin which is to take effect from Monday, 18th of June, 2013.

Comrade Governor Sir, I do not know if you have considered the following questions, problems, and already have answers and solutions to them;

Firstly, what will become the fate of the People who depends on these Bikers for their livelihood? (Though I was told more Cabs and 'Comrade buses' are to be introduced, but will this curb the immediate unemployment and tension that will be generated?

Secondly, how many roads in the inner parts of the City are actually motorable? The introduction of the Tricycle will thoroughly fall short of a solution to the problems that will be generated.

Thirdly, from my calculation, I project that the productivity in all sectors will greatly decrease. The policy makers should understand that a viable and thriving economy has one of its life wire to be efficient transportation; how many workers in Benin have access to sound means of transportation, even with improved 'major roads'.

I know some Students of Uniben whose place of residence is over a kilometre away from School, and their only means of transport is Okada. Is our amiable Governor saying these Students should revisit the ancient means of transportation since the access roads of Ekosodi and BDPA are not motorable? The fact that Benin is regarded as an "ancient City" shouldn't make these Students have a taste of the medieval era.    ff @Akinteraphael

MY OPINION
www.google.comA true leader is one who is humble enough to revert totally, or compromise a decision made when there are obvious reasons to do so. Comrade Governor Sir, why not take after your Compatriot in Lagos, go ahead and ban Okada on 'Major roads' but allow them operate within inner Streets. That way, the populace will appreciate your sincerity in protecting their lives, and also see you as a benevolent leader.

I hope our dear Governor takes this, and prevent the many problems that could hitherto be generated by the proposed ban.

Oh! Its time to leave for Lagos.

ff@Akinteraphael

God bless Edo State.

God bless Nigeria.

 

POLICE- The Emerging Nightmare Of The Nigerian Student

Justice without force is impotent; Force without justice is tyranny"

The joy of every old generation should, basically, be to see the younger generation flourishing. That of all Parents is to have Children that will cater for them at old age. These precepts, I understand, are norms in a sane society, one that is truly egalitarian and upholds the principle of fairness.

As the University of Benin Students' Union continue to demand and probe the killing of one of the Institution's Student by the Police, tragedy struck again, this time in Akwa Ibom where Men of the Nigerian Police allegedly shot at Students. Four NANS comrades were lost in what was described as a mysterious accident on their way to Akwa Ibom to intervene in the Police-Students face-off.

The two incidents described in the above paragraph really gives one a cause to worry. Is it one of the agenda of the Police force to continually oppress and brutalize Nigerian Students? The Nigerian Police has constantly and continually apply force without thinking of justice. Isn't it said that "to whom a brain is given, commonsense is expected"? Here is what the Amnesty International has to say about the Police:

"Police operations remained characterized by human rights violations. Hundreds of people were unlawfully killed, often before or during arrests on the street. Others were tortured to death in police detention. Many such unlawful killings may have constituted extrajudicial executions. Many people disappeared from police custody. Few police officers were held accountable, leaving relatives of those killed or disappeared without justice. Police increasingly wore plain clothes or uniforms without identification, making it much harder for people to complain about individual officers."

Can we still then believe in the cliché 'Police is your Friend'?

So many questions beg for answers, but then, shall we just fold our arms and continually mourn our loved ones? This is a clarion call to Government at all levels, and every citizenry of this great Nation, to put heads together and bring about the much needed reforms in the Police force.

To all NANS executives, may God give you the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss. RIP Comrade Donald and Co.

If the Police constantly, directly or indirectly, terminate the lives of the productive population, then who will Secure our Generation?

The immediate challenge therefore is, what are the necessary reforms needed in the Nigerian Police?

Aluta Continua
Justa Costa
Victoria Acerta