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Okada ban: Umahi expresses shock, makes fresh proclamation



Following the condemnation and agitation that greeted the ban on motorcycles in Ebonyi State on Saturday, the state governor, Engr. Dave Umahi, has assured that government is ready to feed commercial motorcycle operators (popularly known as Okada) in the state.

In a statement made available to Paulokahblog on Monday, which was signed by the Commissioner for Information and State Orientation and Acting Commissioner, Human Capital Development and Monitoring, Barr. Orji Uchenna Orji, Umahi, however, said that only registered members of Okada Unions in the thirteen local government areas of the state will be considered for palliatives by government.

The statement reads in full: "I have been directed by the Governor of Ebonyi State, His Excellency Engr. Chief David Nweze Umahi, FNSE FNATE, to re-emphasise that the ban on Okada and motorcycles throughout the state is irrevocably in force.

"Any okada or motorcycle seen outside or caught will be prosecuted according to Ebonyi State Coronavirus and Other  Dangerous(Infectious) Disease and  Related Matter Law 005,  2020 and the Okada/ motorcycle may be auctioned. The people of Ebonyi State have to understand that we know our Poverty Index Level and that is why we have not locked down Ebonyi State like other states."

He added: "Government is so shocked about people complaining about banning of Okada, whereas, should the worst happen, God forbid, the entire movement in the state will be locked down. People must see life above business.

"However, to ameliorate the effect of this decision, government is directing all the Okada Unions in the 13 Local Government Areas with evidence of registration and the previous evidence of paying the prescribed IGR fees, to immediately compile their names through the Local Government Chairmen and the Commissioner for Internal Security, Border Peace and Conflict Resolution and submit immediately to the office of the Deputy Governor of Ebonyi State. 

"This list when we get it will enable government assist them to procure food to enable them and their families to stay indoors. This compilation must reach the office of the Deputy Governor latest 20th April, 2020. Note that anyone who is not a registered member of Okada union with evidence of payment of previous IGR will not benefit from this government's kind gesture."

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