The recent restriction of motorcycles and tricycles in some councils, major highways and bridges in parts of Lagos State by the State Government has led to words of attrition between the ruling party, All Progressives Congress (APC) and the main opposition party, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as they both disagreed on the step taken by the Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu-led administration. While PDP kicked against the restriction, APC supported the move.
The restriction order has also created sharp division in the social media and other public forum as people are sharply divided over the decision of the state government.
While many see Lagos State government action as a right decision for security and safety in the state considering high records of accidents, robberies, traffic challenges and death caused by motorcycle and tricycle riders; many are of the view that government decision is wrong because of the hardship commuters are currently facing, trekking kilometers and waiting for several hours for vehicles at bus stop due to the restriction of commercial motorcycle and tricycle on the roads.
Since the enforcement of the restriction order on February 1, there have been several reports and reactions on the matter and even the motorcycle riders did a protest at the Government House in Alausa, Ikeja on Friday January 31 to appeal to the state government to reverse the restriction order.
The statement made by Governor Sanwo-Olu during the week not to reverse the ban on commercial motorcycles and tricycles in some parts of the state, is a strong signal that the ban has come to stay.
Governor Sanwo-Olu while speaking at the launch of eight locally manufactured speedboats of the Lagos State Ferry Services, LAGFERRY at Badore Ferry Terminal, Ajah, said the restriction was for security and safety reasons and therefore, they will not reverse it.
“Let me tell you about the ban which we just enforced. We will sustain the ban on Okada and tricycles, mainly because of security and safety reasons. The security and safety of citizens are paramount to any government. As a responsible government, we will not fold our arms and allow any security breach in the state.
Reacting to the restriction of the motorcycles and tricycles in the state, Lagos PDP described the ban as unwarranted and needless, saying that the decision of the state government will bring about untold hardship to Lagosians and also increase the crime rate in the state.
Lagos PDP in a statement issued by its Publicity Secretary, Mr. Taofik Gani, threatened that “If by Monday people go on the road and they are burdened, we are going to call out people to march against this government.”
But Lagos APC in its reaction took a swipe at the opposition party by describing PDP’s ultimatum to Governor Sanwo-Olu to reverse the partial ban on commercial motorcycles and tricycles in Lagos as baseless, unfounded and thoughtless.
Lagos APC in a statement issued by its Publicity Secretary, Mr. Seye Oladejo, condemned the ultimatum given to Governor Sanwo-Olu by Lagos PDP, saying the criticism speaks volumes about the lawlessness and mindlessness of the leadership of PDP.
Condemning Lagos State Government’s action, PDP stated that: “This latest decision of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has come out to confirm the height of disregard that the Lagos State government, in recent times, has for Lagos residents.
“This is not the time to ban Okada or Keke, which undoubtedly has become the simplest means of commuting in the state. In the name of SMART City, a government is coming up to put a burden on its own citizens. It is unfortunate that Lagosians have become dogmatic.
“I feel that this latest decision should generate angry reactions from Lagosians, they should rise up to support the young men who will now be unemployed by this unwise decision of the Lagos State government.”
The opposition party stressed further that: “This decision is unwarranted, it is needless. They have to find an immediate solution from this ban because it will lead to kidnapping, armed robbery, killing and we have been lucky that we do not have such level of bandits. Now, that has been provoked by the Lagos State government.
“We are going to join all well-meaning Lagosians, we are going to protest this obnoxious law, provocative and insincere law in this state. Where is the alternative? There is no alternative on the ground. That shows that they are uncalculated and insincere.” But while commenting on the restriction order, APC called on all and sundry to go about their lawful duties, ignore needless threats and allow law enforcement agencies to handle sponsored protests if there are any.
The party also commended the sensitivity of the Sanwo-Olu government to provide succour with the release of 65 buses and ordering additional 550 buses to ameliorate the challenge facing commuters.
It also stated that the recent massive rehabilitation of roads across the state is also an effort in the right direction. “Lagosians in their best judgement since the advent of democracy have consistently voted the progressive party to keep at bay the hawks who have wasted our collective patrimony in the recent past.
“The desperation to seek relevance is not lost on us. While it is within their right to protest, the resort to self-help or violence should also be addressed within the confines of the law. “We commend the sensitivity of the Sanwo-Olu government to provide succour with the release of 65 buses and ordering additional 550 buses to ameliorate the challenge facing commuters. The recent massive rehabilitation of roads across the state is also an effort in the right direction.
“We call on all and sundry to go about their lawful duties, ignore needless threats and allow law enforcement agencies to handle sponsored protests if there are any. The good thing is that the sponsors are not faceless,” Lagos APC stated.
Also commenting on the issue, former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Lagos State, Mr. Jimi Agbaje, said proper planning is needed in Lagos but banning commercial motorcycles and tricycles abruptly has negative effects, especially to the commuters.
Agbaje while reacting to the ban tweeted that “A Lagos City state for the 21st century needs proper planning. The reasons for the ban on commercial motorcycles (Okada) and motor tricycles (Keke Marwa) by the Lagos State Government are noted. But what about the people?
“A Lagos City state for the 21st century needs proper planning. The reasons for the ban on commercial motorcycles (Okada) and motor tricycles (Keke marwa) by the Lagos State Government are noted. But what about the people?
“My view is that such an outright ban on major routes will be counterproductive and difficult to enforce. It will also have negative ripple effects on the economy with so many already out of work and cause inconvenience to commuters.
“The formal operators that have thus far regulated themselves should be allowed to continue, with stringent regulation and enforcement of traffic laws.”
While speaking on the ban, former Lagos State governor and now Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, expressed his support for the ban on motorcycles by the Lagos State government. “If you care about security, you should back your governor on okada ban. As a centre of excellence, okada cannot be part of the plan.
“I have always held this position. Motorcycle has always been a conduit pipe for the opioid crisis among youths. We must act to eliminate anonymity.
“I was robbed in my home, in fact on my bed in 1999. Organised crime is dynamic, criminals are aware that people don’t keep money at home again, now they diversified into kidnapping people for ransom.”
Also speaking on the ban, a commuter in Ikeja, Ajibade condemned the ban, saying that it is affecting a lot of Lagosians from moving from one place to another. He also said that the situation if not addressed may lead to increase in crimes in Lagos State.
