By Adesina Soyooye
Citing security of lives and properties, the Lagos State Government has banned the most popular means of transportation among the masses.
And, those, most likely to be affected are screaming blue murder. They insist lives would become more difficult for them. They say it is not only cheap for them, but also the fastest way to escape the, most times, punishing Lagos traffic.
They also express concern that the ban would worsen the unemployment situation in the state, and flowing from that, criminal activities including armed robbery and kidnapping.
A good number of the operators of Okada and Keke are University graduates. Most of them, however, are illiterates, ignorant of traffic signs and laws.
But rising from an all- embracing security meeting, the government, in a statement signed by Gbenga Omotosho, the Hon. Commissioner for Information and Strategy, and citing relevant laws, said its priority is to safeguard the lives and properties of the people. That will not be compromised, the statement insists.
The government was alarmed that within a couple of years, over 10,000 accidents were recorded, as well as over 600 fatalities.
It also revealed that the number of Okada and Keke assisted crimes remains horrifying.
While appreciating the temporary inconvenience the ban would endanger, it insisted there would be no compromise on the roads and highways affected by the ban which takes effect from February 1st, 2020.
There will be zero tolerance, the statement warned.
Following, the statement which banned both means of transportation.
“After a robust assessment of the debate on what has been widely referred to as the Motorcycle (Okada) and Tricycle (Keke) Menace, the Lagos State Government and the State Security Council have decided that the security and safety of lives of Lagosians are paramount.
“The figures are scary. From 2016 to 2019, there were over 10,000 accidents recorded at the General Hospitals alone. This number excludes unreported cases and those recorded by other hospitals. The total number of deaths from reported cases is over 600 as at date.
“The rate of crimes aided by Motorcycles (Okada) and Tricycles (Keke) keeps rising. Motorcycles (Okada) and Tricycles (Keke) are also used as getaway means by criminals.
“Therefore, after consultations with stakeholders, the State Security Council, in compliance with the extant Transport Sector Reform Law 2018, has decided to commence enforcement of the law which bans the operation of Motorcycles (Okada) and Tricycles (Keke) in the following Local Governments (LGs) and Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs):
“ Apapa LG and Apapa Iganmu LCDA
Lagos Mainland LG and Yaba LCDA
Surulere LG, Itire-Ikate and Coker-Aguda LCDAs
Ikeja LG, Onigbongbo and Ojodu LCDAs
Eti-Osa LG, Ikoyi-Obalende and Iru/Victoria Island LCDAs
Lagos Island LG and Lagos Island East LCDA
“The full enforcement begins on February 1, 2020.
This is the first stage of the State Government’s plan to sanitize our roads and protect Lagosians from the negative effects of these illegal modes of transportation.
“The Law is very clear. Motorcycles (Okada) and Tricycles (Keke) are banned on all highways, bridges and the listed roads.
Major Highways
Bridges
Flyover Bridge
“Law enforcement agents have been directed that with effect from February 1, 2020, there will be Zero Tolerance for Motorcycles (Okada) and Tricycles (Keke) in (on) the listed Local Governments, highways and bridges.
Members of the public are hereby notified that all offenders and violators will be dealt with in accordance with the Law.”
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