Sunny Areh
11 November 2009
DELTA State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan has warned Motorcycle riders , popularly called 'Okada' in the state to abide by the laws of the land particularly on the use of safety helmet or be prepared to face the wrath of the law.
Governor Uduaghan who gave this warning when he monitored the fuel situation at a Mobil Filling Station by Airport Roundabout in Warri, yesterday called on Okada riders to use the helmet for their safety.
He condemned the practice of most Okada riders, who don't use safety helmets as being lawless and warned that if they fail to comply with the laws of the country, he would be forced to ban Okada as had been done in other states.
"The fact that you are riding Okada does not mean you should be lawless. Why have you refused to use the helmet as prescribed by the Federal Government? As from tomorrow any Okada rider without safety helmet and have it but don't use it will be dealt with. I will personally monitor it." He said that he allowed the use of Okada in the state because some of the Okada riders use the proceeds to feed their families as a result of the economic situation in the country.
Responding, the Okada riders at the filling station promised the governor that they would comply with the laws and ensure that they use the helmet. They pleaded with the governor not to ban Okada in the state. The governor also condemned the attitude of some vehicle owners who block major roads in the town stressing that the long queues at filling stations disrupt the free flow of traffic.
In a related development, the governor paid an unscheduled visit to the offices of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) Tippers Park Effurun Unit to intimate them on plans of the government to extend the beautification project in the city to the area. He noted that the area was a strategic location in the town and that he was in the office to discuss issues that would help move the state forward with the union and seek their co-operation with the government. Dr. Uduaghan promised the Union Executive Council that nobody in the park would be displaced, if the area is affected by the beautification design.
His words: "The state government is doing some beautification design that will cover this area. When we finish the beautification this area will look beautiful, I thought I should inform you before embarking on it. It is to assure you that nobody will be displaced."
In a brief welcome address, the Chairman of the Union, Mr. Sunday Akata commended the governor for intimating them on the intention of the state government to extend the beautification project to the area and promised to co-operate with government.
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