Hon Awudu Gives Red Carpet Treatment to Okada Riders

The SDF Member of Parliament has congratulated motorbike riders in Nkambe Central for their efforts in easing the movement of people into most enclaved part of the Division. Speaking to motorbike in a heavily attended occasion that took place on Friday February 8, 2013 at the Millennium Star Hotel in Nkambe,  Hon. Awudu Mbaya Cyprian reminded the riders that their role in the transport section can never be underestimated. He emphasized on the numerous challenges of their profession as well as their civic responsibilities and the contribution they have been making in building the nation. He recalled how he (Hon. Awudu Mbaya) supported them with over 1000 helmets and advised them to always wear them for their safety. He also promised that he will make sure that he provides another consignment of helmet for the safety of the passengers they carry. On the ongoing registration of electoral voters using the biometric system, Hon. Awudu Mbaya reminded them that those who have not yet registered should do so. He also called on those without identity cards to benefit from the largess of the Head of State to for free issuance of identity cards to also go to the nearest identification post to obtain in identity card. “It is your personal document and you should use this opportunity offered by President Paul Biya” he added. Hon. Awudu Mbaya also told them not to give out their receipts to anybody when they register because it is unlawful. He said when the time for campaign shall come; he will give them his message as well as stewardship. “You voted me as your Representative and when that time shall come, I will tell you all what I have done for this municipality. However this is not a speech meeting ceremony, I called you here to eat and drink with me”, he concluded.

On his part Mangoh Jones Tanko, the Mayor of Nkambe expressed his wish for all the riders to acquire minimum documents for their bikes as well as identity cards for themselves. Magoh Jones Tanko further explained to them their role in the municipality. “You are the eyes and ears of this municipality and I congratulate you all for that”.  Harping on the importance of registering and voting, Mangoh Jones Tanko said that the riders that when you don’t register and vote, you give the opportunity to the few who vote to decide for you. He said the Nkambe Council in its endeavours to professionalize and do away with quakes in the commercial motorbike sector also bought jackets which were shared to the riders. This project, he said has help to put some sanity in the sector. 

The leader of the motorbike riders thanked the MP for his contribution in sustaining their activities and added that they (the okada riders) will always be behind him. “We are very grateful for this hand of fellowship. In fact let me again thank you for always having us in mind” he reiterated. Susung Oliver told the MP that nothing can change them and that even climate change can never change their position “because we voted you”. He also lamented the rampant theft of motorbikes in Nkambe and added that some of them (okada riders) have forced out of business by thieves. He also reassured the Mayor and MP that they will always work with them for the wellbeing of the municipality.

One speaker who also caught our attention was Madame Mary Awudu. In her message to the riders, the wife of the Member of Parliament commonly known as “Mami Mary” cautioned the youths against violence and the quest for easy money. As the mother of the house, she invited the riders to eat and drink with her family. There was merrymaking, singing and dancing late into the night at the Mbaya Night club. It should be recalled that for more than 10 years now, Hon. Awudu Mbaya has made it a tradition to always invite this young boys who help in transporting people from one village to another to commune with him.

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