The governor of
Kaduna state has just signed a law banning operation of Okada (commercial
motorcycles) in the state while the ban on Okadas has been reiterated by the
Governor of Niger state.
Mukhtar Yero, the
governor of Kaduna state has put his signature to a law banning Okada in the
Kaduna metropolis, as well as, some other towns of the state. The law has been
approved by the House of Assembly of Kaduna state.
Ben Bako, the State Commissioner for
Information, said that the ban was being enforced for security reasons. Mr.
Bako said the ban in Kaduna was due to the influx of Okadas from some
neighboring states where the ban on Okadas had already been implemented. These
states include Kano, FCT, Niger and Plateau.
The commissioner
said that the ban would be implemented in areas like Kaduna South, Igabi,
Chikun, Kaduna North, Jema’a, Zaria, Birnin Gwari and Sabon Gari local
government areas. The ban was to take effect from May 21st. He warned that
anyone found operating an Okada could face three months imprisonment or N
10,000 fine.
He urged all
motor cycle owners to desist from commercial activities or be prepared to face
the full fury of the law. He also emphasized the commitment of the state
government to health, security, and the other issues affecting the lives of the
public.
In Niger state,
Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu, the governor said that there were some political
elements, which wanted to destabilize the state on the issue of ban of Okadas.
The state government had begun implementation of ban on Okadas in capital city,
Minna starting from January 2014.
The governor
alleged that a plot was being hatched to destabilize the government by some
elements that had lost in the political equation of the state and they were
bent up on using the issue of the ban on Okadas as cause for trouble.
Malam Danladi
Ndayebo, the chief press secretary of the governor, released a statement
containing the allegations made by the governor. According to the statement, a
protest was being organized on Okada ban by political figures including leaders
of the opposition.
The statement
said that the Niger state government condemned the cheap blackmail by
discontented politicians who had lost in the political game, but were catching
any straws to retain their voice.
Aliyu claimed
that the government had acted in the best interest of the public and would not
repeal the ban on Okadas in the state capital. The governor re-emphasized his
conviction that the newly introduced alternative means of transport, the tricycles
called as ‘Keke Talban’ had more advantages than the Okadas. He stressed that
no responsible government would watch helplessly as more and more people were
being killed in accidents involving commercial motor cycles.
The governor said
that there was no need to politicize the issue on any ground as all residents,
irrespective of what their political affiliations are, suffer a great deal,
sometimes even at the cost of their lives, due to accidents involving Okadas.
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