Peter Okoye, PBA Journalism Mentee
The Lagos State Government has again warned motorcycle riders popularly called ‘okada’ to keep off all the restricted routes in 10 Local Government Areas, (LGAs) and 15 Local Council Development Areas, (LCDAs) in the state.
The warning was disclosed in a statement by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Hon. Sola Giwa, on Monday.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelHe gave the warning while on a tour of some restricted areas within the state, where large numbers of motorcyclists (okada riders) had resumed operations, he reaffirmed the state government’s ban on okada in the affected areas.
He reminded them of the Local Government Areas where the ban is in effect which include: Kosofe, Oshodi-Isolo, Somolu, Mushin, Apapa, Ikeja, Lagos Island, Lagos Mainland, Surulere, and Eti-Osa, adding that the LCDAs such as Ojodu, Onigbongbo, Lagos Island East, Yaba and Coker Aguda; with others at Itire-Ikate, Eti-Osa West, Iru Victoria Island, Ikoyi-Obalende, Ikosi-Isheri, Agboyi-Ketu, Isolo, Ejigbo, Bariga, and Odi-Olowo.
READ ALSO: Return Okada To Lagos Streets, Association For The Blind Urges Sanwo-Olu
Giwa also warned both riders and passengers to keep off the restricted routes and comply with the law.
He added that any defaulter is liable to three years in prison if apprehended and prosecuted, with their motorcycles impounded and crushed in the public view, in line with the provision of Section 46, sub-section 1, 2 & 3 of the Transport Sector Reform Law (TSRL), 2018.
He wondered why the motorcycle riders have not properly made use of the alternative means of livelihood provided for them by the government and appealed to them to do so and support the policy of the Lagos State government.
