Lagos Governor blames Okada riders, street hawkers for increase in traffic robberies

The governor of Lagos state, Akinwunmi Ambode, is blaming the high rate of traffic robbery on Okada riders and street hawkers.

He made this revelation while addressing the Government House Correspondents shortly after an emergency Security Council Meeting.

Governor Ambode said the Council had reached an agreement that would protect the lives and property of Lagosians.

READ: Lagos governor reacts to people's concerns on traffic robbery, more

This solution is the full enforcement of the Lagos Road Traffic Laws, especially the restriction of okada and tricycle operations.

The Lagos State Road Traffic Law 2012 bans okadas, tricycles (Keke Marwa), carts and wheel barrows from operating on the following routes; Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Apapa-Oshodi Expressway, Oworonshoki-Oshodi Expressway, Lagos-Ikorodu Expressway, Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway, Third Mainland Bridge, Eti-Osa/Lekki –Epe Expressway, Lagos –Badagry Expressway, Funsho Williams Avenue, Agege Motor Road and Eti-Osa/Lekki Coastal Road.

READ: Lagos governor tackles traffic robbery by going on early morning patrol

Governor Ambode advised everyone to obey these laws or face the consequences.

"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.”

READ: Lagos governor laments over increase in traffic, robbery

Do you agree that okada riders and street hawkers are traffic robbers?