(Image Source: The Sun Nigeria)
By Ejiofor Toochi Cynthia
Commercial motorcycle, also known as Okada; will be off the roads as from June 1 in six LGA and nine LCDA in Lagos State.
This decision was prompted by the unfortunate killing of David Sunday by a group of Okada riders in Lekkki. Thus, the essence of this ban is to prevent more killings and ensure the safety of citizens.
Although Okada riders have expressed their displeasure at this unfortunate situation that would have negative impacts on their lives. Both the miscreants and innocent ones would equally be affected.
A motorcyclist, Abubakar said:”This okada ban no good, na the work I dey use feed my family be that and now, they wan stop us? Wetin dey want make we do?
“So I dey ask make government help us. Make dey leave inside streets; for corner corner, make we dey manage am.
Note that government has failed to provide suitable replacement for Okada meaning not just the riders but some Lagosians will also be affected.
Another rider, Abu on hearing the news expressed his disappointment at this ban saying, it is unfair to him.
“Na the okada we dey use take care of our children and wives,” he said.
There are more who share the same view as Abu; more who rely only on riding Okada for a living. They are hoping and pleading that the Lagos State Government would allow them to continue riding through inner streets to make ends meet.
(Image Source: Core TV News)
I feel the ban has a positive side and a negative side.
Positive because there’d be less congestions on the road, less Okada accidents that end up claiming lives, less harm to passengers etc.
Negative because it’d affect the only source of livelihood for these riders, some of these riders feed their families from this very Okada work
Honestly, I feel for some of them because it’s their means of livelihood, but I think the ban is best for all of us.
The government should provide more buses and tricycles for these people, they shouldn’t be left jobless.
The Lagos state government decides to curb the criminal rate by placing a ban on these okada drivers. It is justice but these are people with family. It would be better served if the government can provide other means of earning income for these drivers
Honestly, I feel if the government is to ban the commercial motorcycle, then it should provide another means of employment for them because this may increase crime rate
Banning Okada without providing an alternative is bullshit abeg.
The government doesn’t care about those at the grassroot in my opinion. I mean, people use Okada to commute easily because it is fast and relatively cheap.
With this ban now, I won’t be surprised if bus drivers increase the bus fares.
The government needs to reason well. They want to ban Okada? No problem.
But for goodness sake, provide an alternative. That’s how intelligent people reason!