EDO STATE GOVERNOR: Okada riders and a promise fulfilled

ON June 11, 2013, Edo state government formally announced the ban of commercial motor cycle, better known as Okada.

It gave sundry reasons (with security concerns as the major issue) for the action. The state government was also specific on the areas, mostly within the Benin City metropolis where the ban order would be enforced. The reaction that followed was not unexpected. While a large number of residents hailed the move as long overdue, others saw it as totally uncalled for.

More than that, many of those who opposed the ban, bike riders and or owners in particular, felt betrayed because it came into effect despite assurances by the governor that no such action was in the plan. All said and done, the ban was put into effect with a promise by the governor, Comrade Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole, that the state will introduce palliative measures to cushion its effects.

On Wednesday, May 14, 2014, the governor fulfilled the promise when he commissioned 300 cabs and handed them over to members of the Okada riders association. The delivery of the cabs, which is in the first phase, effectively brings to an end the politicisation of a strictly security issue.

The action of the state government which has received plaudits from a very large segment of the public has also drawn considerable ire from some sectors.                                     While the first group commends the government for living up to its promises, the latter group is dismissive on the ground that it came a little too late even as they refused to consider the reasons for the delay.

However, while commissioning the taxi cabs, the governor explained why it took so long to fulfill the promise he made to the former Okada riders. According to him, fulfilling the promise took so long following evolving intricacies that characterised the negotiation process. As it turned out, the seriousness attached to the issue by the administration became a deciding factor which not only culminated in the fulfilment of the promise but also came handy in shelving off about 15 percent of the total cost in favour of the beneficiaries with the balance to be paid off by the government. “Government gave 15 percent subsidy on the price of each of the vehicle and the subsidy is a grant that we are giving to each of the beneficiary. We are not expecting you to it pay back to the government of Edo state.”

Apart from the subsidy, the beneficiaries will also have reasons to be grateful to the Oshiomhole administration. In the first instance, it negotiated with the facilitating bank to reduce the interest rate charged on each of the vehicles. Thus, from the prevailing 21 percent chargeable interest rate, the bank was persuaded to accept 18 percent on each vehicle. In the other instance, the administration also provided comprehensive insurance cover for all the vehicles.

There are other reasons members of the defunct Okada riders’ s Association will remember the Oshiomhole administration for a long time to come. For one, each beneficiary is expected to pay only forty eight thousand (N48, 000) Naira as first installment in order to be given one of the cars. Thereafter, each of them are expected to produce same amount as monthly repayment bill till the debt is completely written off. What it translates to is that on the average, each beneficiary is expected to pay back two thousand (N2,000) Naira daily.

But, the beneficiaries are up in applause for the governor for another reason. In line with terms of the agreement, each of them has three years to offset the entire debt. What it translates to is that for an average new car which requires at least four years before developing any fault, the fortunate owners have enough time not only to repay the debt but also make enough investment for a better life. If the words of Comrade Peter Adoroh, leader of Okada riders is anything to go by, there is no doubt that the beneficiaries, at least majority of them, are ready to take advantage of the opportunity to reach greater economic heights.

The governor used the occasion to explain circumstances that made the ban inevitable even after repeatedly assuring the riders that there was no plan to effect such a ban. According to him, the decision became imperative as evolving security concern could no longer be ignored.

“I found myself taking a tough decision after repeatedly assuring the Okada riders that Okada would not be banned in the state. When I said that, I meant it. Indeed, after my second tenure election, I renewed that assurance and I know you were really shocked that after reassuring you repeatedly, you woke up one day to hear that the same governor had decided to prohibit Okada and to give you a very short notice that was less than one week. That was a tough decision for me.”