The Lagos State Government has disassociate itself from a purported list of restricted routes for okada and tricycle operators in the state making the rounds in the Centre of Excellence.
This was contained in a statement by the state Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, where the government re-emphasised that it had not taken any definite action on the operations of commercial motorcycles and tricycles, polukarly known as okada and Keke Marwa on some routes across the state.
Omotoso said contrary to the news making the rounds on the social media on the list of restricted areas, purporting that the government has banned Okada and Keke Marwa on some routes, no such action has been taken, adding that the list was false and unofficial and should be disregarded.
The government said its position on the issue will soon be made public through the official media channels of the government.
Recall that Omotoso had also last week told State House Correspondents after the Security Council Meeting held at the Lagos House, Ikeja on January 13 that the delay was informed by need for the Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration to achieve a generally accepted solution to what has been termed the okada menace.
He said, “We have just concluded our routine security meeting, during which the issue of Okada and tricycles was discussed exhaustively. For now, no major decision has been taken on the matter. There are several factors for this development, but the main reason was to reckon with various opinions expressed by stakeholders.
“So many people have made representations to the government concerning commercial motorcycles and tricycles, including human rights groups, unionists and traders. They came up with many reasonable observations; all their views have been collated and are being considered.
“We feel it will not be good enough for the government to take a final decision on the matter without considering the opinions of the stakeholders. That would be against the spirit of democracy for which the Sanwo-Olu administration stands.”
He added that whatever decision was taken by the government, the Sanwo-Olu administration would prioritise the security of lives of all Lagosians.
