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Osun Govt victimizing us, Motorcyclists cries out
Commercial motorcyclists in Osun state have cried out over alleged victimisation by the government of the state.
The motorcyclists stated that the government has embarked on arresting and detaining them for offence they did not commit.
One of the motorcyclists who spoke with our correspondent said two of them have been detained in Ilesa prison since last week Thursday because they protested against extortion by officials of the Osun Traffic Marshal, O’TRAM.
The motorcyclists had on Thursday, barricaded the popular Olaiya junction, Osogbo, Osun state capital, in protest against alleged extortion by officials of O’TRAM.
They caused traffic gridlock for some minutes before the intervention of policemen who dispersed them.
The O’TRAM was established under the Ministry of Transportation by the former Governor Rauf Aregbesola to arrest any motorcyclist that fail to use helmet or violate traffic rules
The motorcyclists alleged that officials of the O’TRAM have been extorting them, thus preventing them from carrying out their job easily.
On Thursday morning, the motorcyclists alleged that the officials of the O’TRAM arrested one of them and ordered him to pay N5,000 to the account of state government while they released two persons who they might have collected money from them.
Speaking with our correspondent on Monday, Adeyemo Olamilekan, blamed the leadership of the motorcyclists for the ‘unfair treatment and harassment’ they are facing from police and government officials.
He alleged that their leadership are collecting N50 from them daily while the policemen and O’TRAM also disturb them. He frowned at the refusal of their leadership to intervene whenever they have problem.
He said, “We are paying N50 to the association everyday. Police will collect their own. O’TRAM will also disturb us. When they kill our members and collected their motorcycle, neither the police nor the union will do anything.
He said two of them that were arrested on Thursday have been remanded in Ilesa prison and have not been released.
Taiwo Olasunbo, who was the victim, admitted that he was wrong for attempting to ply one way, accusing officials of the state government of unfair treatment.
He said, “It is true that I wanted to ply one way at Ayetoro area, Osogbo, when they arrested me and immediately wrote N5,000 for me. I was begging them when I saw another person they arrested. I asked why they released him and they didn’t give any excuse.
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Delta North 2027: Between Legacy and Renewal- Why Victor Ochei Represents The Future
By Austin Edemodu, PhD
The emerging political discourse surrounding the 2027 Delta North Senatorial contest raises a fundamental question about leadership, succession, and the moral obligations of those who have long occupied the public space.
Recent reports suggesting that Ifeanyi Okowa has “accepted” calls by stakeholders to re-enter the senatorial race have, understandably, stirred both interest and concern across the district.To be clear, every Nigerian, including Dr. Okowa, is constitutionally entitled to seek elective office.
However, beyond legality lies a more compelling question; one of equity, fairness, and the sustainability of democratic culture.
Should the political space continually revolve around a single individual who has, by all standards, had an extensive and privileged run in public service?
Dr. Okowa’s political résumé is both rich and undeniable. From his early days as Secretary to Ika North East Local Government, to his roles as Commissioner in multiple strategic ministries, Secretary to the State Government, Senator, and ultimately Governor of Delta State for two consecutive terms, he has occupied some of the most influential offices available within the state and beyond.
His trajectory reflects not just ambition, but opportunity; opportunity that many equally capable individuals have not been afforded.
It is precisely within this context that his reported return to the senatorial contest raises legitimate concerns. At what point does experience give way to overreach?
When does political continuity begin to resemble stagnation? And perhaps more importantly, what message does this send to a new generation of leaders waiting in the wings?
Democracy thrives not merely on participation, but on renewal. It depends on the deliberate cultivation of successors, the encouragement of fresh ideas, and the willingness of established figures to step aside in the interest of broader inclusion.
A system that recycles leadership without fostering transition risks alienating its most vibrant and innovative minds.
This is where the candidacy of Rt Hon. Victor Ochei becomes not only relevant but compelling.
A former Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Ochei embodies a blend of legislative experience, administrative competence, and grassroots connection. His career has been defined not by political dominance, but by service across multiple sectors. As an engineer, lawyer, and public servant, his intellectual depth is matched by practical engagement.
His tenure in the state legislature was marked by strategic empowerment initiatives and a demonstrable commitment to constituency development.
Beyond the legislature, his role at NIMASA and his current position as President of the Nigeria Tennis Federation further underscore a capacity for leadership that transcends politics. These experiences have equipped him with a national outlook and administrative discipline, qualities essential for effective representation at the Senate.
Yet, perhaps Ochei’s most distinguishing attribute is his accessibility. In an era where political office is often perceived as distant and elitist, he has maintained an open-door philosophy that resonates with ordinary citizens.
His appeal among youths, women, and grassroots communities is not incidental; it is the product of consistent engagement and inclusive leadership.
The argument, therefore, is not merely about replacing one individual with another. It is about redefining the political trajectory of Delta North. It is about choosing between continuity that risks entrenchment and renewal that promises expansion.
This is not to diminish the contributions of Dr. Okowa, but to recognize that leadership must, at some point, evolve beyond individual dominance.
The future of Delta North cannot be built on the foundations of perpetual recycling. It must be anchored on deliberate transition, generational inclusion, and visionary representation.
As 2027 approaches, the people of Delta North are presented with a choice that goes beyond personalities. It is a choice between the comfort of the familiar and the promise of the possible.
In Victor Ochei lies a candidacy that reflects not just competence, but the urgency of a new direction.
History will not merely remember who held power, but who had the courage to pass the torch.q
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