Assembly urges security agencies to enforce ban on okada

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October 19, 2016 3:32 PM

This followed a motion moved by the Deputy Speaker on Wednesday under matter of urgent public importance.

Okada riders

The Plateau House of Assembly on Wednesday urged security agencies to strictly enforce the law banning the use of motorcycles for commercial transportation within the Jos-Bukuru axis.

This followed a motion moved by the Deputy Speaker, Mr Yusuf Gagdi, on Wednesday during plenary, under matter of urgent public importance.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the 7th Assembly in the state had passed a law banning the operation of commercial motorcyclists within the Jos-Bukuru area.

NAN also reports that the use of motorcycles for transportation was banned so to reduce crime within Jos and environs.

Gagdi, however, said that the law was being flouted as the commercial motorcycle operators had been operating in the metropolis without let or hindrance.

“The law banning the operations of “Okada riders’’ in the Jos metropolis has been relegated to the background.

“The security agencies saddled with the task of enforcing the law to the fullest have not lived up to expectation.

“And because this borders on the lives of our people, we as their representatives must speak out.

“Petty crimes are on the increase and a lot of things are not going right,” he said.

On his part, member representing Jos East constituency, Mr Joshua Madaki, called for the establishment of a Civilian Task Force to handle the total eradication of commercial motorcycle operation in Jos.

According to him, this would create employment opportunities and also generate revenue for government.

“Security agencies have compromised in enforcing this law, and government should, therefore, establish a civilian task force to handle this.

“It has worked in other states, it will also work here. Jobs will bé created and revenue will be generated for the state,” he said

After much contributions from members, the House unanimously called on the police and other security agencies to intensify the arrest of those operating commercial motorcycle transportation illegally in the area.

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