...tasks Govt on good road network to reduce road accidents
A group, Mature Minds Community has demanded for uniformed identification of Okada Riders in Ekiti State to curb crime that is allegedly been perpetrated by the motorcyclists.
This was contained in a communique issued by the group to address motorcycle operations in Ekiti State.
While acknowledging the role of Okada Riders in reducing the rate of unemployment in the State, they called for stringent measures to guide and monitor the activities of Okada Riders.
The communique reads: “The okada riders’ union should coexist with the security top officers probably the commissioner of police for a proper and adequate reinforcement.
“The okada riders are to be in single uniform to be identified from among the public. The uniforms are to be numbered to assist in keeping the statistics of those using it for commercial purposes.
“Most recorded accidents from the operation were caused by the union tax collectors, as the tax collection are carried out forcefully on the riders, even while on motion.
“The okada riders are to be given adequate orientation on road plying, while they are given adequate sensitisation on why the tax collection is essential.
“Against conspiracies and atrocities, the union in alliance with the security agencies should have a mark on the riders’ uniforms (which is known as Bim, to assign color to each zone), for easy identification during stop and search operation.
“Government should make adequate provisions for road network (creating columns for motorcycles), for easy conveyance of passengers. Hence, reducing road accidents, while truncating riders from plying major roads.
“There should be jurisdiction at which a specific rider can reach. Okada riders must have their own park, covering a junction to another. This approach will limit a long distance journey, while subsidizing the rate (amount) being levied on passengers. This approach will as well introduce a fixed price of transportation as it is being operated in other neighboring States. In short, boundaries should be maintained and regulated.
“Government is urged to be considerate on the policy made on one passenger at a go. This policy is leveraged on by the union and some security agencies to extort money from the riders. Beyond this, conveying one passenger at a go makes the okada riders to charge exorbitantly causing undue distress on the part of the passengers. However, holding on to two passengers at a go will reduce the charges.
“While considering the level of undue maltreatment and extortion of the riders from the union, it will be an added advantage on the part of the government, especially the local government to control the affairs of okada riders in the State.”
