Rule of law not for the masses

WITH the respect President Yar’Adua has shown for the rule of law, the political office holders now find it very convenient to seek redress in the court of law whenever there is perceived injustice, and they have not been disappointed because the president enforces the law to ensure that justice is done.

But what happens to Nigerians who are not political office holders? I was one of the 35 people who were victimised and summarily dismissed by former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s errand boys from the service of National Iron Ore Mining company, Itakpe, Kogi State, because we never supported the handing over of the company to an Indian firm, Global infastructure.For three years, we were out seeking for justice at a law court.

And now the court has passed its judgment. But for 10 months now, nothing has been done.In spite of our efforts in seeking audience with the Minister of Mines and Steeland the director of the legal unit of the Ministry of Mines and Steel, our request is yet to be granted.In fact, we are in total darkness about the whole issue. I think we should cry out to President Umaru Yar’Adua now to help us out of this predicament.

George Innih Balogun
innihgy@yahoo.com

Curb the menace of okada riders

I want to draw the attention of the governments at various levels to the menace of Okada (motorcycle) riders throughout the federation.

It is rather unfortunate that motorcycles are a means of transportation in our urban cities in the 21st century.

This is a big shame on our leaders because the majority of these politicians travel to advanced countries of the world and have seen the transportation systems put in place over there.

I don’t know why the political class fails to copy some of the good things they see in these advanced countries.

Okada riders have sent many innocent citizens to their early graves. Others have been maimed for life. Most of the orthopaedics section in our hospitals are full of victims of motorcycle accident such that they can no longer accommodate more.

As of now, Nigerians have no alternative to the motorcycle as a means of transportation in the country, though we have over 60 billion dollars in our national reserves in our foreign account. With this huge amount of money Nigeria could provide mass transportation system across the nation without much difficulty.

Regrettably, the majority of Okada riders are university graduates who are unable to secure jobs after the completion of their education . Next to them are the artisans who are into the business in order to make ends meet. Many of our youths from ages 12 to 18 who are supposed to be in school or on apprenticeship in craft work also engage in Okada business in our major cities ,which portends a great danger to the future of this nation.

I am hereby calling on governments at various levels to stop buying motocycles for our youths as a way of alleviating poverty. Instead, they should create decent jobs for our graduates. The government should also create an enabling environment for artisans so that they can stay on their jobs. Futhermore, government should discourage underaged children that are supposed to be in school or on apprentice ship in craftwork from Okada business as a matter of urgency.

Our government, both federal and state, should embark on mass transit programme throughout the country.

However, if Okada business cannot be totally eliminated , I will advise state governments in the federation to deploy more Road Safety Corps members in their states to oversee Okada riders in order to prevent further carnage on our roads. Again, the activities of Okada riders should be limited to the villages or less major roads .

Isaac Awotidoye,
Natural History Museum, Obafemi Awolowo University,
Ile-Ife.