By JOHNSON EBIGIDE
The main purpose of governance is seeking the general wellbeing of the people; ensuring the security, happiness and progress of the people by those they entrusted the management of their commonwealth.
When the policy thrust of any government endangers the livelihood of the people they are elected to govern, not only is such unwholesome derailing develop into lack of trust for those in government, but could lead to anarchical situation. We are all probably witnesses to the pain inflicted on most Nigerians by Godwin Emefiele monetary policy in the country.
However, some policies are like the bitter leaf that would leave scintillating taste in the palates of the people after going through bitter experiences. Yet, some others are fruitless exercises, leading to several conjectures from various segments of the society as while some who are mostly at the receiving end decry the new situation, the beneficiaries hail the draconic paradigm shift. Such is life since one man’s agony is the joy of another.
Only recently, the Delta State Government banned the operation of commercial motor cyclists (okada riders) in some parts of the state, particularly in the state capital territory. Not only has it generated several debates and conjectures from individuals and in some quarters, but has endangered the livelihood of many in the state.
Though the state government stated rising criminality as the reason behind the ban, very many have explained such excuse as untenable, arguing that some taxi drivers and tricyclists (Keke operators) have been found also in perpetrating crimes in the state, wondering why only the okada riders were singled out for punishment.
It was also argued in some quarters that the ban appeared to be targeted at some non-Deltans residing in the state, just as many other lamented the chain repercussions the ban would have in the state.
Apart from the riders, it is sure that many others, like bike repairers and sellers would lose the source of their livelihood, while many students in the affected areas would suffer more, trekking long distances to their schools, just as most civil servants who live far away from major tarred roads where tricyclists operate in the capital territory and other affected areas are also in for confusion.
Again, some farmers in the remote areas of the affected local government areas in the state are currently contemplating how they would go to and from their farms, wondering how to transport their farm produce through the meandering bush parts to the major roads without okada riders. It is indeed a frustrating crossroad for the affected !
Speaking on the ban recently, a former strong member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state, Eugene Azuka Uzum, urged the state government to have a rethink on the ban, considering its dire socio-economic effects on the state economy and the people, just as he enjoined the state governor , Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, in another instance to intensify job creation initiatives to cushion the effects of the ban, since it appeared that the state government had made up its mind on the ban.
Also bemoaning his fate, one Onyeloni Edike, a motorcycle seller in Agbor, Ika South Local Government Area of the state, wondered how he could repay the bank loan he secured to purchase over 100 motorbikes for sale. He said that he was so confused that he had decided to close shop and go into prayers and fasting with the hope that the ban would be lifted in the area !
And that appears to be the hope of the affected !
