Lagos: Jubilation As Sanwo-Olu Frees Okada Riders

 

By Fola James

Babajide Sanwo-Olu, governor of Lagos State has rolled back his predecessors’ policy on motorcycle or Okada riders in the state.

Okada business can now continue to experience boom until the new government decides otherwise.

That’s is position of the current administration which said it will now consult widely before making a definitive policy on the operation of commercial motorcyclists.

Two previous  administrations of Raji Fashola and Akinwumi Ambode highly restricted Okada business, with total ban on their operations in major roads across the state.

Analysts have even said, the state traffic law particularly tightened the noose on the business.

That’s now in the past, Governor Sanwo-Olu’s administration said in Lagos on Tuesday.

Commissioner for Information, Gbenga Omotosho disclosed at a stakeholders meeting that the government has consulted widely before making this decision.

“We have just concluded our routine security meeting, during which issue of Okada and tricycles was discussed exhaustively.

For now, no major decision will be taken on the matter. There are several factors for this development, but the main reason is to reckon with various opinions expressed by stakeholders,” Omotosho said.

The news could not have come at a better time for the riders, who on the daily basis have suffered in the hands of various security agencies like LASMA and police.

The riders suffered extortion from traffic officials whose duty is to enforce the state’s traffic law.

The situation could change over the direction of the current administration on commercial motorcycle business, analysts say.

But the state could also become more choatic now that the restriction has been relaxed, critics of the government have warned.

In spite of this, Governor Sanwo-Olu, flanked by all the commanders of security agencies in the State, said at the meeting where decision was reached, that the action was well thought out.

Omotoso disclosed that relevant parties and stakeholders had reached out to the government with suggestions and representation that could be adopted to proffer a win-win solution for all stakeholders.

The Security Council, the Commissioner said, is currently considering the suggestions and recommendations submitted to the Government before coming up with definite plans on the Okada menace.

He said “So many people have made representations to the Government concerning commercial motorcycles and tricycles, including human rights groups, unionists and traders.

They came up with many reasonable observations; all their views have been collated and are being considered.”

According  to him “We feel it would not be good enough for the Government to make final decision on the matter without considering the opinions of the stakeholders.

That would be against the spirit of democracy for which the Sanwo-Olu administration stands.”

He explained thst the decisio to be taken on the matter, will reflect the views of all stakeholders and wishes of concerned residents.

He stated thatthat secu of lives of Lagos residents and safety of visitors remained paramount to the government, adding that the Sanwo-Olu administration would not compromise in this regard.

Some Okada riders told the magazine they are happy with the development because it will bring succor to them and their families.

“We can now do our business without any fear or harrassment one of them said.

Meanwhile , the state government said the ongoing enforcement of the extant Traffic Laws and Okada restriction will go on, pending the final decisions of the Security Council.