Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, is considering the implementation of a total ban on commercial motorcycles operations (okada) in the Lagos metropolis.
This is coming after the recent clash in the Ketu-Mile 12 area of the state, allegedly sparked by a dispute involving an okada operator and a passerby, which led to the loss of lives and properties.
Sunday Punch reports that the governor is set to approach the state House of Assembly to amend the law from the ‘restriction’ of Okada Operations within some routes to total ban of their operations in the state.
His predecessor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola had signed the Lagos Road Traffic Law 2012, which restricts okada operations in at least 492 of the 9200 roads across the metropolis in an effort to reduce the menace of their operations in recent past.
“Don’t forget that there is a law on ground that restricts them on certain routes in the state but they have not been adhering to these laws. They find a way to circumvent laws and government has a duty to safe innocent lives from being wasted. Most of them drive against traffic both during day and night, so the government is weighing the option strongly that the best thing is to ban okada and it is in the interest of the state to do so,” a source said.
“They (okada riders) are gradually becoming a menace in the state and it is evident in the way they ply restricted routes at any time of the day.
“You are also aware of the recent bloody clash in Ketu-Mile 12 and the increasing threats on lives and properties by terrorists in the country. It has therefore become expedient and imperative for the government to ponder on this option.
“The governor is seriously considering this move because he feels that a mega city like Lagos cannot harbour okada. He feels that the Lagos economy and most especially the transport sector cannot be driven by okada.”
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Credit: Punch
