Okada, Keke Ban in Lagos, No Going Back – Commissioner

The Lagos State Government, on Monday, reiterated its stand regarding the restrictions placed on commercial motorcycle (Okada) and tricycle (Keke) in the state.

Speaking about the exemptions made in respect of the law banning motorcycle (okada) and tricycle (keke) in the state, and how law enforcement agents harassed some dispatch riders and private motorcyclists in the name of enforcement.

The state Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotosho, said that despite the protests, the government did not plan to review the ban.

He further speak on motorcyclists that are exempted by the new law. Mr Omotosho highlights: dispatch riders, courier companies, newspaper dispatching motorcycle, and private motorbike riders, as those exempted from the ban.

Omotosho explained that security agents also have discretionary powers in certain instances.

He said, “Every officer to enforce this law has discretionary powers. Aside from the discretionary powers, courier companies, dispatch riders, newspaper dispatching motorcycles, and private motorbikes are exempted from the ban and they must be well kitted. You wear your helmet, you don’t carry passengers and you have your box behind you to show you are a dispatch rider.”

When asked if the ban would also affect police officers, who ride Okada in the state, he said, “The police ride Okada, but you see that they are well kitted.

You will even know that these are police motorcycles. And the officers enforcing the law know who to exempt. There may have been mistakes in the past two days, but such mistakes have been addressed and those arrested released with apologies.”

Omotosho thanked residents who had borne the pains of the enforcement, saying the government had the interest of Lagosians at heart.
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