Kunle Adelabu
Lagos State Government has stated that the ban on motorcycle and tricycle, popularly called and known in the local parlance as ‘Okada’ and ‘Keke Marwa’ respectively, has achieved over 60% compliance across the state.
This was revealed by the Commissioner for Home Affairs, Prince Olanrewaju Elegushi in Ikorodu on Sunday, January 2, 2020.
Prince Elegushi represented the Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu who was the Special Guest of Honour at the 25th Anniversary thanksgiving of the Patrick Bolaji Methodist Cathedral, Ikorodu, in commemoration of its elevation as a Diocese.
The memorable event was held at the Church premises located at Ita-Elewa Square, Ikorodu.
Speaking with THE IMPACT at the special service, Prince Elegushi commended Lagosians for supporting the government on the ban, stating that the ban has achieved 60% compliant level.
He described the ban as a success and added that it has brought sanity to Lagos roads.
“To me, the policy is a success. If you go round or drive through all the restricted areas, you will agree with me that we have sanity on those roads and I want to tell you that the level of compliance is over 60%.”, Prince Elegushi stated.
“The step taken by the government is the right step in the right direction. It’s a long awaiting decision. Thank God that Mr Governor has that courage in taking that decision”.
The Commissioner stated that government has been meeting with religious leaders and other stakeholders to intimate them on the policies of the state government.
“We have been meeting with the religious bodies on the state policies and very soon we are still going to have an interfaith parley where all the religious leaders will gather together”, he stated.
“Part of that advocacy is what we just did here now (the Governor’s speech at the event). Any opportunity that we have to talk to our people either in the Church or Mosque, we will continue to spread the gospel”.
He revealed that the state government will be commissioning 10 boats on Tuesday, February 4, 2020, to boost water transportation.
“Government is working on alternatives (to ‘Okada’ and tricycle as means of transportation in the state). One of the alternatives that the government is pushing is utilization of our waterways. On Tuesday, government will be launching over ten boats that will be running from one jetty to another. That will serve our people. We want to make good use of our waterways. It an advantage for us”, he stated.
“Let me tell you, today, I came (to Ikorodu) through the water and it took me just 15 minutes to get here from Lekki. If l am driving, it will take me more time. Our waterways is an opportunity for us to move freely. So, government is pushing for water transportation and we are really investing in that”.
Prince Elegushi also stated that the state government is working on improving road transport system and rail.
“Another alternative is the rail and government is stll working on it. Even the Red and Green lines are still coming. By the time the government is able to push through all these lines, the challenges facing transportation in the state will definitely be resolved. The government is trying and we are really pushing hard for Lagosians to move freely without stress.”
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Transportation, Mr Sewedo Oluseyi Whenu, also stated that the level of compliance is high, adding that government will ensure that the policy on the ban is sustained.
“I want to appreciate our people for supporting the government on the ban policy because the compliance level is high. There is sanity on our roads now and we are promising as government, we are not relenting and we shall see it to the last because when you consider the safety factor and the security aspect, you will agree with me that it is a right policy in right direction”.
He also assured that government is working in ensuring that other means of transportation are effectively deployed to satisfy the people.
“Government is ensuring that different modes of transportation – road, water and of course, the rail, are functioning to the best capacity. All buses would be released to ensure that passengers are not stranded.
“Boats are being provided on our waterways while we are also providing buses on the road to ensure that we have effective intermodal arrangement. We are assuring the people that the ban will not in any way affect them adversely”, Permanent Secretary added.
While speaking on the report that hundreds of other tribes that are engaging in commercial motorcycle activities in Lagos are leaving the state with their bikes, the top government functionary stated that the state will protect citizens with legitimate businesses.
“Lagos is for all and we all know that Lagos is accommodating to those with legitimate businesses, they will have no problem in staying in the state. For those without legitimate business, if they have to return, let them return”.
Also speaking with THE IMPACT on the issue, Builder Daini Olusesan, Chairman, Igbogbo/Bayeku Local Council Development Area, stated that the government is right in enforcing the ban due to the insecurity, health and risks that are involved in riding ‘Okada’.
“We have to appreciate the government of Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu in ensuring that law is being enforced. It is a thing that we just have to work on if actually we want a Smart City. There are things that we must eradicate and others that we must bring on board to have a Smart City”.
“Having Okada on our highways have serious risks while we also need to consider the security aspect of it. There is also the health issue and other negative things attached to it”, Daini stated.
“For me, it’s a commendable approach by the government and we task the law enforcement agencies to make sure that they do their job without compromise.
“I am sure that government is considering ways of tackling whatever challenge(s) that may arise due to the ban. Beyond that, it is a policy that must stay and which people should embrace and appreciate. I can assure you that government will address any challenge that may arise therein”, he stated.
Meanwhile, the Bishop of Ikorodu Diocese, the Very Revd. Samson Osundina, has called for caution in enforcing the ban.
He warned against further unemployment that may eventually breed insecurity when those affected by the ban are unable to get another means of livelihood.
“Okada may not be the best means of transportation and best means of livelihood for those of them riding it and agreed that some of them are devilish as they use okada for criminal activities. The government should consider most of the riders who are graduates and other using it legitimately and since they have found solace in that, government should take it easy with them and find ways to balance the equation so that they don’t multiply the number of thugs and armed robbers that would complicate the issue they are trying to address”, Bishop Osundina warned.
“Government needs to tackle the issue with all carefulness”.
