Ban of Okada and security situation in Delta State

Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan

One of the Three- Point Agenda of the Delta State Governor, Emmanuel Uduaghan is “Peace and Security”. Since 2007 when Governor Uduaghan assumed office as governor of the state, he has been putting measures in place to ensure adequate security for Delta citizens.

These efforts by the Governor have yielded positive results so far.

He provided Armoured Personnel Carriers, (APC) and hundreds of security vans equipped with modern communication gadgets, some of which were commissioned by the governor himself and others commissioned by the Inspector General of the Police, Mohammed Abubakar.

The IGP commended Governor Uduaghan for assisting security agencies including the State Police Command in the state by providing needed facilities to enhance their operations in combating crime.The weekly security meeting by the heads of security agencies and other stakeholders headed by Governor Uduaghan has tremendously helped to improve the security situation across the state.

Also the financial and moral supports to security Agencies in the state, the provision of street lights in major towns and cities (in the streets and highways), setting-up of water ways security committees and vigilante groups by the Uduaghan’s administration has no doubt reduced crime to the barest minimum and have encouraged the security personnel to do more. All these measures were put in place by the Uduaghan’s administration to enable Deltans move freely, carry-out legitimate businesses and sleep with their two eyes closed.

The decision by the government that has made Asaba, the State capital and the oil rich city of Warri one of the most peaceful cities in the country today, is the ban of commercial motorcycles popularly called ‘Okada’. The ban of okadas in some major towns in the state has done wonders in reducing crime.

In August 2012, when the government made the pronouncement on the ban of okada, lots of people frowned at the government decision.

A year later, the same people who frowned at the decision, are among those commending the government for taking such decision. The okadas were replaced with hundreds of tricycles, mini buses and some Marcopolo buses, even boats were purchased for the riverine areas.

Since the ban of okadas, criminal activities such as armed robbery, kidnapping, bank robbery, snatching of bags and etc., have become a thing of the past in recent times in Asaba, Warri, Ughelli and other affected towns. Businesses have been flourishing, people can move around at any time of the day without fear. Most people doing businesses across the Niger or travelling through the state (Delta) and even the politicians across the Niger now prefer to pass the night in Asaba.

Night life is now booming in the Delta State Capital, Asaba, as well as the oil rich city of Warri and other towns. Security vans are seen stationed in strategic areas in towns 24/7. Events such as Seminars, Conferences, workshops, shows etc., are being held in these cities and towns almost on a daily basis. Day after day, hospitality businesses are springing up in these areas and roads are getting congested due to increase in population.

The strategies put in place by Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan which enables him to achieve success in his ‘Peace and Security’ agenda should be sustained, even after his tenure in office by his predecessor.

In my own opinion, other states in the region and in the country that are having similar security challenges which Delta State has experienced before, should take a cue from Delta State Government.

So, when next you are travelling through Delta State, stop and experience the fresh air of “Peace and Security” of Uduaghan’s administration through various strategies including the ban of okada which has improved security situation in Asaba, warri, Ughelli and other affected towns.

•Babatunde Andy, Asaba, Delta State.