Major roads in Lagos on yesterday Saturday, 1st February 2020, wore clean looks as the arm of commercial motorcycle and tricycle riders were out of the road following the commencement of the enforcement of the ban by the state government on motorcycles (okada) and three-wheeler cycles (keke).
The state government had recently rolled out its plan to begin enforcement of the law that had been enacted during Babatunde Fashola administration. It had also marked out areas that are considered no-go areas for Okada and keke.
Insisting on the enforcement of the ban, the state government said Okada and keke had been responsible for many accidents in the state and had provided a means for “quick-get-away” for criminals who often dispossess unsuspecting residents of their valuables.
“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,” the government said.
Although divergent views had trailed the enforcement of the ban as some people argue that given the chaotic gridlocks in many parts of the state, ‘okada’ and ‘keke’ had become “necessary evil,” the state government went ahead to carry out the enforcement yesterday.
As the enforcement began, major bus stops across Lagos that had served as Okada and keke parks were deserted by the okada and the keke operators
A commuter, who was on Apapa-bound bus from Ojuelegba in Surulere, commended the state government for having the will to enforce the ban.
“I sincerely commend the state government for the enforcement. How can you have an army of youths from the North invade Lagos under the guise of riding okada, yet they are perpetrating all manner of crimes across the state? Look at how everywhere is free; I only hope that the state government will sustain the enforcement and then come up with measures that will alleviate people’s trouble in the days ahead,” the commuter said.
However, some other residents who spoke with BDSUNDAY complained about the stress the ban would impose on many city dwellers who have come to depend on Okada to get to their destinations in the midst of gridlocks.
“I am not sure this enforcement was well-thought out. I do not argue the fact that Okada and Keke operators have become something else in Lagos; my concern is about how would I be going to work? That is my concern. I always board Okada every morning as I go to my office because the road is always blocked. Lagos State means well, but the time is no, no,” a lady, who simply identified herself as Kate, said.
In a message posted on his twitter handle yesterday, Gboyega Akosile, chief press secretary to Governor Babajide Sanwo-olu, said: “Dear Lagosians, the restriction of #Okada and #keke NAPEP in some identified LGA’s and LCDA’s takes effect from today (yesterday). For the avoidance of doubt, Govt will carry out FULL enforcement of the policy. Kindly spread words to your friends, neighbours and colleagues. Thank you.”
Recall that previous administrations in the state, especially, those of Babatunde Raji Fashola and Akinwunmi Ambode had announced similar bans, but they were not enforced, despite the rolling out in 2012 of the State Traffic Law which prohibits the operation of ‘okada’ and ‘Keke’ on major highways in the state.
Government has always relaxed its enforcement drive, with the riders becoming more emboldened to ply the restricted routes.
Proliferation of the motorcycles on major highways and bridges has even become more pronounced with the advent of online ride-hailing companies like Gokada, O’Pay and Max.ng.
Iniobong Iwok
