Governor goes tough on motorcycle, Okada operators in Lagos

dimeji akinloye

November 6, 2015 9:51 PM

Ambode noted that it has become obvious that traffic crimes and robbery are mostly as a result of the menace of Okada riders and street hawkers.

Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State has warned motorcycle operators, popularly called Okada riders, commercial buses and street hawkers to repent from their recklessness or face the full wrath of the law.

The Governor said this on Friday, November 6, while addressing Government House Correspondents shortly after an emergency Security Council Meeting he chaired.

He noted that it has become obvious that traffic crimes and robbery are mostly as a result of the menace of Okada riders and street hawkers, as commercial buses have also become lawless and reckless on the road. He read the riot act to the drivers and gave them a stern warning to operate within the confines of the law.

Ambode stated that, in line with the commitment of his administration to ensure security of lives and property as well as the enforcing of the Rule of Law, the Council made strong decisions to check the excesses of notorious elements in the state.

He said he has ordered the full enforcement of the Lagos Road Traffic Laws, especially as it concerns the restriction of okada and tricycle operations.

However, according to the Schedule II of the Lagos State Road Traffic Law 2012, Okada, tricycle (Keke Marwa), carts and wheel barrows are restricted on some routes including Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Apapa-Oshodi Expressway, Oworonshoki-Oshodi Expressway, Lagos-Ikorodu Expressway, Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway and Third Mainland Bridge.

Others routes include Eti-Osa/Lekki –Epe Expressway, Lagos –Badagry Expressway, Funsho Williams Avenue, Agege Motor Road and Eti-Osa/Lekki Coastal Road.

Ambode said, “Any person who fails to comply with any of the provisions of this section commits an offence and shall be liable on conviction as stipulated in the law.

“Henceforth, all commercial vehicles, except Rapid Transport buses, must use only the service lanes in accordance with existing traffic laws. All conductors of Commercial buses must sit down in their buses and keep the doors closed at all times while in motion. It is against the Law for conductors to hang on the bus doors and leave the doors open. Any contravention will be met with severe punitive measures.

“Commercial buses can only drop and pick passengers at officially designated bus stops henceforth. Any illegal and indiscriminate picking and dropping of passengers is against the law.

“Other road users who break traffic laws will pay a compulsory traffic fine in accordance with the law. Mobile Traffic courts are being introduced to prosecute offenders promptly.”

dimeji akinloye