The Lagos – Okada riders face-off

October 31, 2012 59 Comments »
The Lagos – Okada riders face-off

Wale Sokunbi CURRENTS, 08056180228 walesokunbi2003@yahoo.co.uk

Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State made a tactical mistake last week. He began earnest implementation of the state’s controversial Road Traffic Law barring commercial motorcycle operators (okada) from Lagos highways only few days after Governor Olusegun Mimiko of Labour Party (LP) beat the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) candidate, Mr. Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN), to third position in the October 20 Ondo State governorship election.

The defeat of Akeredolu, ACN and its leader, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, by Mimiko really dented the image and ego of the party. It also vividly demonstrated to the electorate in other ACN-controlled states such as Lagos that the party’s strong hold on Southwest states could be questioned, and the party kicked out of power, if the people are determined to do just that.

That period of gloating over the loss of Ondo to Labour Party by many people, including the Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, was a very wrong period for Fashola to implement a policy which saw Okada riders being hounded like dogs on Lagos streets, with about 3,000 of their motorcycles impounded, and one two operators inadvertently killed by the police.

If, indeed, Fashola and the ACN had had “ears” in the markets, hairdressing salons and eateries in Lagos, last week, they would have heard that the anger of many less privileged Lagosians on the “okada ban” and the defeat suffered by ACN in Ondo State few days earlier, became a volatile mix that generated palpable discontent and ill feeling against the Lagos government. The outcry of the okada riders, however, does not detract from the propriety or otherwise of the law restricting operation of commercial motorcycle operators in the state.

Although the Lagos government hinged its decision to bar okada operators from 475 out of the state’s 9,100 roads on the frequent cases of okada accidents traceable to recklessness of riders, and their use for activities detrimental to security in the state, the implementation of the law degenerated into fracas, last week. The police seizure of offending motorcycles from riders in different parts of Lagos led to violent protests in which the operators damaged about ten mass transit buses of the state government.

The Lagos State Road Traffic Law has been a subject of contention since it was signed into law.. Apart from barring okada riders from the state’s highways, it has other controversial provisions that have earned the ire of many Lagosians. It, for instance, outlaws eating while driving. For a state in which a driver could be held up in a traffic snarl for hours on end, it will be interesting to know what type of food may or may not be eaten while on the wheels in Lagos.

Will consumption of the snack, gala, or a biscuit, by a famished driver, for instance, constitute an offence for which such driver maybe arrested and prosecuted? What if a driver takes a drink while driving? Other controversial aspects of the traffic law include its draconian provisions. For example, the law provides for impounding of vehicles caught being driven against traffic. Soon after implementation of the law began in earnest, a truck was caught driving against traffic somewhere en route the Lagos Island and was seized.

Some reports said the truck was to be sold by the state government. How more draconian and oppressive can any law be? Should an innocent businessman who has invested about N15 million on a truck or tanker, and has probably not paid off the loan used to purchase it, have his truck impounded and sold by the state government simply because an errant driver, possibly on monthly salary of N50,000, disobeyed a traffic regulation?

Where is the justice for the innocent owner of such a truck who was not even there when the driver committed the offence? Should he lose N15 million because of a disobedient driver? This would be the height of wickedness, which, I am sure, is not the intention of the state government. The traffic law also provides for jail terms for traffic offences. This should not be so.

What this provision can achieve is only to increase the amount of bribes that people will be ready to pay to officials of the Lagos State Traffic Management Agency (LASTMA). No one should go to jail for minor traffic offences in a sane society, especially when there are no appropriate signboards to guide drivers in the state. When this traffic law is viewed against other draconian initiatives of the State Government, such as the N15,000 fine extorted from drivers for parking in places that do not even have “No parking” signs especially in the Lagos Business District, some of these laws become questionable.

There is, however, no arguing the fact that the operations of commercial motorcyclists in Lagos need to be closely regulated. Incidence of death from okada accidents is unacceptably high in the state. Those who have been to the wards of the Igbobi Orthopaedic Hospital, in Lagos, have testified to the high number of persons whose lives have been destroyed as they either died or lost their limbs in okada accidents. Lagos State government has put the number of people who either died or were seriously injured in accidents caused by okada riders in the last two years in Lagos at 619.

Other police records show that 513 fatal accidents recorded in the state in the last two years were caused by okada riders. 208 of the fatal accidents occurred between January and June, this year. This is believed to be largely due to the recklessness of the riders who do not undergo any training before picking up the trade. In addition, commercial motorcycle operators have been implicated in armed robberies.

Governor Fashola, in a statement last week, explained that records show that of 30 armed robbery incidents recorded in the state between July and September this year, 22 involved use of commercial motorcycles, while okada was also used in 10 out of 14 robberies in September, and five out of eight robberies in August. The Lagos State Commissioner of Police has also confirmed the atrocities of okada riders in the state, and has vowed that the law banning them from the state’s highways would be implemented to the letter.

Any observant Lagosian would also have noticed that the okada business in the state has been infiltrated by illegal aliens, with the Lagos authorities confirming deportation of 100 Nigeriens from Lagos recently. Many of the people in okada business in Lagos are not Nigerians, with the attendant security implications. Lagos State, then, cannot really be blamed for demonstrating concern for the welfare and security of residents of the state, especially as okada has become a veritable tool for robbery operations.

Okada riders have, however, instituted a legal battle to stop the government from implementing the law restricting them from 475 roads. They have instituted a case before a Lagos High court asking it to declare section 3(1) of the new Lagos Traffic Law which prohibits riding, driving or propelling of a cart, wheelbarrow, motorcycle or tricycle on major highways in Lagos, as unconstitutional. The All Nigerian Automobile Commercial Owners and Riders Association (ANACOWA) also wants a declaration that Lagos State government has no power “whatsoever” to make any law to regulate traffic on any of the Federal trunk or highway roads.

The court has promised accelerated hearing of the case. This is what the protesting okada riders, however, should have done, earlier, instead of their resort to damaging of government-owned mass transit buses. While the court adjudicates, it is necessary to say that it is good to restrict okada riders from certain roads, but, barring them from 475 roads seems rather draconian.

Again, the state government should consider provision of enabling environment for other sources of living for unemployed persons in the state. The argument of opponents of the okada ban is that the operators have a right to earn a living in a situation where government has not helped them in any way.

They, also, have a point, so government should rev up its skills acquisition and job creation efforts to keep the people productively engaged in the interest of security. The Lagos authorities should also modernize transportation in the state. Commercial transportation by okada is actually a sign of retrogression, especially in these days of fast trains.

It is not befitting of the mega city the state government is trying to build.


59 Comments

  1. emeka ebguna October 31, 2012 at 2:34 am - Reply

    this is inhumane,our government does not have conscince.

  2. Haha hahaha October 31, 2012 at 2:49 am - Reply

    4 goodness sake lets stop looking for white corla job or blame govt 4 not providing dem…. U can become an intreprenurer nd provide for others

  3. Dele Odugbemi October 31, 2012 at 3:20 am - Reply

    It is better for a responsible government to take proactive decisions on things that can bring serious problems in terms of security of lives and property to its citizenry.
    Though the laws banning okada operation in some of Lagos high ways may look harsh now but we should appreciate the attendant benefits in terms of safety to peoples’ lives, curbing of armed robberies and that of Boko Haram terrorists pretending to be okada riders now in Lagos.
    I plead with Governor Fashola to acquire land in the neighboring ACN States to engage those jobless youths and able bodied men residing in Lagos in large scale farming with good living conditions and attractive benefits for those who accept to work as Farmers on such settlements.
    The ban of Okada on Lagos high ways should not be politicized because i have lost some known persons to accidents caused by okada while several others are now living as beggars because of loss of either one arm or leg and or both, so let us be objective when criticizing some policies or laws of the Government that may bring some decency and peace to our well being if well implemented.
    Our greatest enemy that has brought us back to 19th century civilization is Federal Government where billions or trillions of dollars that was meant to bring development to our decaying infrastructures and growth in the economy are squandered, embezzled or stolen by successive governments since 1985 till the present administration in power.

  4. bodajos October 31, 2012 at 3:49 am - Reply

    wel done fashola but there need for u to fine work for dos okada rider caus must dat were dey feed fmly u in gvmt house dat y u dont knw wat d poor masess ar facing but in time of securty is wel accpted but there good samarithan among d okadas help dos one in one job o d odas our fedral gvmt to b blame not fashola

  5. UZOTEX October 31, 2012 at 4:10 am - Reply

    The police impounding 3000 motorcycles? I think they should brace up for security challenges, bcos 3000 families daily bread has been seized at this ember month without providing alternative means of survival. That is a very wrong calculation and timing. May God see them through.

  6. Egbunu October 31, 2012 at 4:21 am - Reply

    The ban on okada is a welcome development, my brother can not walk again becos of recklessness of okada.Govt should provide alternative job for the serious minded among them who are ready becos there are those that have bad motive in that business.

  7. Ibraheem October 31, 2012 at 4:24 am - Reply

    Almost everything in this country is not RIGHT,is this not going groom more criminals?What is the alternative of the okada ban on some of the lagos highways?Lasma‘s dreams is fast becoming true,isn‘t it?And those trying to politicise this should know everything ACN,LP,CPC or anyother political party in this counrty is far better than the KILLUMINATTI PDP.

  8. ubong October 31, 2012 at 4:40 am - Reply

    The problem is not the ban, but how accessible are these routes. My last visit to lagos was helish because of hold up and bad road. It has become a simple phenomenon for people to resort to okada inorder to get to their destinations or work on time. Let the govt provide solution to hold up before the ban to avert the suffering by the masses.

  9. Dr. A. Akeem October 31, 2012 at 5:13 am - Reply

    That the business has been infiltrated by Nigeriens, Chadians…. Nigerians should think of the future of this country. I still did not understand why a journalist should be the one to analyse his own report, this reporter is a political biggot. Tell the story and leave analysis to the readers pls

  10. Henry Uka October 31, 2012 at 5:40 am - Reply

    You can imagine a lasma officer arresting someone for mere chewing of chewing gum while driving in mile 2 area of lagos. Is this part of the lagos law? ACN will NEVER win any election in the ACN controlled states and this is surely a reality as they have failed in the final lapse of their tenure in lagos. No law to checkmate the police on security as early as 6am u see police extorting money from these same Okada and no lagos law to checkmate them. Mr. Fashola(SAN) Wake up from slumber

    • babatunde October 31, 2012 at 10:55 am - Reply

      Mr henry..d issue of police extorting money from okada man should nt be directed to the state govt nor fashola rada 2 d Police force itsef..They are d 1 destroyin deir image n d force sud work on deir pple mindset…Take note uka

      • dansaji November 1, 2012 at 12:30 pm - Reply

        Babatunde, please who do you think that police excesses on okada ban should be directed to? Lagos State Government ofcourse, because he who pays the piper should also dictate the tune. LASG enact a law for police to feed themselves and then what we have now is a situation where baboons are choping. For me, ACN has failled in Lagos State come 2015. Fashola knew the excessivenes of okada riders when he employed them for his election campain and now decided to bite the fingers that fed him then. My pity goes to those family men that earn pie nuts as salary but uses okada to cut transportation cost to their places of work. May God help them and their family i pray.

  11. Folorunso October 31, 2012 at 5:42 am - Reply

    If Fashola does not stop Okada now, somebody will still have to stop it. Can’t you foresee the danger it poses to the future. Dont you know that poverty or no poverty, the riders will become useless at age 50 when they are supposed to start paying their children school fees in the universities. Meaning that a lot of children may no go to school and a lot of adult may be sick. It is not compulsory to live in Lagos, the villages are empty. This quick money is not sustainable. When it was banned in Owerri, Abuja etc. the whole world did not collapse. Okada cannot power the population of Lagos

  12. DE FOREX MANAGER October 31, 2012 at 5:49 am - Reply

    Earn 10 – 30% of your capital monthly in the international currency market. Open your account and let the professionals manage it for profitably. call 08099048112

  13. Bernji October 31, 2012 at 6:42 am - Reply

    Those states that stop okada b4, ppl’re still surviving so with time dat of Lagos will a thing of de past

  14. Olawale October 31, 2012 at 6:57 am - Reply

    as far as I am concern, it is a step in the right direction. We always say we are undeveloped and we want to develop, that is one of the step to development. safety of the citizenry of in Lagos and ant state and country should NOT be negotiable. for instance, American does not have okada as a means of commercial transportation. even China with the highest fraction of the world’s population has no okada as a means of commercial transportation. when thjere is traffic, they are patience enough to drive thru it. we should instead of complain and crying fowl because a governor value life and property of his citizens is taking right step, learn how to plan ahead of time and beat traffic. besides this man did not say okada should not do their business, what he said his do not ply the high way.The last time i checked, other non high way roads can take you to any part of lagos u wana get to. So, what is their stress?

  15. chika October 31, 2012 at 7:14 am - Reply

    The bottom line of this law is to further enrich the already rich corrupt LATSMA officials and their police collaborators.

    • Victor November 1, 2012 at 12:28 am - Reply

      @Chika, this law is for safety and orderliness, unless you are planning to be break the law, I dont see how police and lastma official will extort money from you. Yes they have their excesses, but the same law provides for punishment for the enforcers that abuse it, why dont you embrace the law and expose any law enforcement agant that will try to abuse it

      • dansaji November 1, 2012 at 12:35 pm - Reply

        you re talking as if you are not in Nigeria, Police collect not less than N5000.00 at the end which the bike will be released. Find out.

  16. Onuchkwu Chigozie October 31, 2012 at 7:24 am - Reply

    It is indeed a very harsh policy .We need prayers in this country.
    To join in the prayers, you can visit us @:
    http://www.facebook.com/globalprayersnetwork.
    & for help, visit:
    http://www.facebook.com/deliverancefromsinandbondageofsatan

  17. susan October 31, 2012 at 7:36 am - Reply

    A Journalists should know the disadvantages of okada to Lagos state out weigh the advantages.

  18. micky October 31, 2012 at 7:42 am - Reply

    WALE sokunbi did PDP pay u to do dis write up?

  19. bisola October 31, 2012 at 8:02 am - Reply

    The writer of this report is so biase,so in the name of serving the people we should allow reckless driving,why dont you also adress the attitude of the okada riders,,and those driversthat drives across one way,and those that have been killed withsuch bad act, agent of pdp is at work pls go and sleep

  20. John odey October 31, 2012 at 8:08 am - Reply

    When agbus was introduced part of d road was created 4 them.why not do the same 4 okada riders than 2 cos more social problem in lagos.

  21. Mike October 31, 2012 at 8:31 am - Reply

    It is very clear that, Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State is confused, because he wants to make name. The original motive of creating LATSMA is defected. ACN can not win Lagos again bcos of the useless Gove. Fashola, the wisest man.

  22. Chigozie October 31, 2012 at 9:03 am - Reply

    Micky, so after reading from the first comment to the last, the comment you have is to ask Wale whether he was paid by PDP to do the write up? Tell yourself the truth, are you too happy with the activities of the LATSMA? You must be an ACN candidate, and you must be paid to post this comment.

  23. jonh October 31, 2012 at 9:03 am - Reply

    They. Are talking of armed robbery; what manner of robbery is more than pen robbery? Let the big men have fear of God o. Offences cuts accross all corners. Nobody is free. Fashola don’t spoil your Good work o.

  24. kean October 31, 2012 at 9:32 am - Reply

    i wonder what kind of journalism you practice ,No where in the world that government allows motorcycles as a means of transportation in view of the danger it poses to the people .it should be outrightly banned.anything that causes a distraction for a driver while on the wheel is hazardous and a danger to human life.Lagos is massive a city that deserve a proper and careful planning of its transport system,you expect lagos government to leave the transportation system in lagos in the hand of miscreants.africans just dont want to develop,This is the 21st century mr jounalist .China the manufacturer of these motorcycles have abandon them and inventing fast trains and coaches to move its people around its cities safely.the Lagos state Government was even considerate to allow them to ply some roads .Beside okada is been used for arm robbery and assassinations in Lagos. and invove in so many crimes,this is not about ACN as a party ,it is about government policies There are many state s in nigeria i who dont even allow okada as a means of transportation ,what do say about that mr journalist.The mayor of london Mr boris johnson is in
    charge of transportation for london he will never allow motorcycle as a means of transportation .Motorcyclist are been strictly licensed in the UK.special licence of course because of the danger it poses they are contantly been mornitored by the British transport police on British motorways in and around London

    • Bunmi October 31, 2012 at 8:09 pm - Reply

      Kean, Does the transportation system in Lagos appear to you like it’s planned? Not to even describe it as a careful attempt to planning. As much as one welcomes one of several ideas to saving human lives, this act can only be characterized as one of those disillusioned attempts of putting the cart before the horse.

      • dansaji November 1, 2012 at 12:38 pm - Reply

        Bunmi dont mind the mumu kean, allow him to continue his rattling

  25. Morgan Ihomun October 31, 2012 at 10:06 am - Reply

    Lagos shld also ban d use of car bcos 95% of bank robberies in lagos d robbers use cars.

  26. JJ October 31, 2012 at 10:32 am - Reply

    Mr. writer your view and report on a truck taking one way is very wrong. I SUPPORT anything the Lagos govt do to any vehicle or bike driving against traffic. Now reflect on this.: A former staff of Eko Hospital dressed up and went out to work one day while crossing the road a bike driving on one way knocked him out of life. He was on comma for 21 days. REFLECT on this and write not like an animal.!!!!!! Condemn every evil. What is seizing a truck that drove against traffic to the devilish danger it constitute to innocent suffering Nigerians. Think before you write any nonsense.

  27. Workee October 31, 2012 at 10:34 am - Reply

    I don’t know the kind of policies our govmt at all level do make,how could govmt that one of her primary duties is to provide and protect it mass has turned to be harsh on them.The lagos state governor doesn’t know what the poor masses do encounter on daily basis,for LASTMA officials to had impounded over 3000 motorcycles that means over 6000 people have denied food on their table daily.I must say here before implementing policy lets their be an alternative.For the fed.govt to leave Lagos and relocate to Abuja they knew that all these issue must arise.Mega city,what is it all about?,in Lagos state accomodation on the side govt is big problem,in most part of Lagos there are no pipe borne water and your building mega city.Lets not bring back the urgly old side of Lagos state back when people will go to bed with their both eyes wide open while asleep.

  28. frank October 31, 2012 at 11:08 am - Reply

    fashola i totally wrong infact the whole country is in a failed state.do they want to tell us there is no security solution other than to ban okada/motorcycle riders?what about companies that uses it to deliver goods to client?what about those that have it as their means of transportation not for commercial purpose.lagos govt is just power drunk by implement such obnoxious law for traffic.i do not support it rather they should have been a provision for okada riders road just like it is in cotonou where in all roads there is a space created for okada.lagos state is not well planned you have traffic allover the places,what about someone from iyana iba to mile 2 one will spend 2hrs while okada will take you just 20mins

  29. Chukwudi October 31, 2012 at 11:26 am - Reply

    Ladies and gentlemen, this is the time to empower ourselves financial by joining our hand together and make legitimate money, Netcontacts Nigeria is the best online business empowerment, by which u invite people tobecome Netcontacts members, and earn N1500 by each person u invite, l.e anybody u invite using ur invitationcode, will have to pay u N1500 4 he/she to start inviting other people and also get paid of N1500 by each person he/she invites, is real i know it might sound dificult to u, but i bet u is real, click this link and register for free trial and later activate ur membership with just N1500 and start making money, visit http://www.netcontacts.com.ng/invitation/?invitationcode=329899355 pls if u doubt it, u can ask Google or call me 4more details 08052975810

  30. sulaiman abimbola October 31, 2012 at 11:33 am - Reply

    I guess wale shokunbi is politicing issue

  31. James October 31, 2012 at 11:40 am - Reply

    in my opinion, okada should be banned ourightly banned nationwide…..okada have no place and those okada operators should look for a life. go to other cities of the world and see how prudent they are…..those who want okada to stay do not want development in Nigeria. infact Fashola should ban okada in the whole of Lagos.

  32. Jonaschinedu October 31, 2012 at 11:48 am - Reply

    What govt did is good,but can govt provide jobs for the okadas that’s the problem

  33. Richard. A October 31, 2012 at 1:20 pm - Reply

    There is no point crying over spilled milk! The law was created, reviewed and passed into law by the state assembly due to several issues highlighted by the government.

    Funny how many people including the writer of this article did not point to the fact that okada was completely banned in several states in the country including Abuja (leading to the relocation of many of them to Lagos)!

    Lagos state is doing the proper thing for the benefit of the state and people!
    It is not only okada drivers alone that will vote at the next election. Thousands of Lagosians who have been abused, harassed and frustrated by okada drivers shall also vote for Lagos and ACN!

  34. chuky October 31, 2012 at 2:33 pm - Reply

    Fashola lack reasoning.Time will come when he and hisAcn brothers will beg for poeple,s vote.

  35. Shehu October 31, 2012 at 4:19 pm - Reply

    Our dear governor of course did not sought for the opinion of the less privilege when banning okada riders from the highway.
    Their hand earned proceeds plying the highways had contributed to the Internally generated revenue of the state which has helped in the building of the state. Having contributed their quota to the Internally generated revenue of the state, they deserve a fair deal from the government.
    There is 1001 ways to fish out bad guys and armed robbers from the business if the governor had consulted widely enough but in this government, opinion of the less privilege does not matter.
    The governor had taken away the source of living of so many families away from them when he has nothing for them to feed on. Fear of Allah is needed to be applied in his discharge of duties as if no one can put him to question, the Mighty One can do just that for the masses.

  36. Wolexy October 31, 2012 at 4:22 pm - Reply

    El-Rufai banned Okada in the major districts of the Federal Capital in 2006/2007, then it was unthinkable, but now the populace are the better for it. I believe the job loss concerns will gradually be tackled.

  37. ohakpu October 31, 2012 at 4:54 pm - Reply

    After okada what next? Surely road side trading….

  38. justice October 31, 2012 at 5:15 pm - Reply

    Dr. Akeem, you don’t know the work of a journalist. it is not just about writing news. it goes beyond that. they reason imperially and that with truth. i hope u or ur relatives ar not related to ACN govt.

  39. MOSES OLINYA October 31, 2012 at 6:09 pm - Reply

    Why must he do such a thing,did he knw how the less privalled do survive,for him doining this let him get ready to face corruption in this state or let him rethink b4 this get out of hand.

    • Oladimeji November 1, 2012 at 7:55 am - Reply

      Tnk of ds pple mr governor dat ds poor riddrs a d 1 dat vote 4 u most and nt d rich sitn or doin busins.dnt b a coward pls or ingrat.dat al

  40. idris October 31, 2012 at 6:14 pm - Reply

    D Governor gave d ppl Helments during campaign and siezed their bikes after Election. 9ja no fit change joor

  41. Bart October 31, 2012 at 6:50 pm - Reply

    I’m sure this whole issue is been overblown. Poverty is really a big problem in our society today. Is it a must that you must ride okada in lagos before you can survive? In Port Harcourt where I live, okada has been banned for some years now and people are still surviving so why the hoolabaloo about lagos. For me, this is long overdue. Anyone that has travel out of this country will know that Nigeria is still very backward due to things like this. There are countries in Africa that are fast developing in terms of transportation. Must we remain backward? Others are moving forward so let Nigeria also move forward. Lagos State is seen outside as the largest city in Africa. The ban is very welcome. Those that doesnt have a job could go back to the village and go into farming. It pays. Everyone must not do a white collar job. Thank you.

  42. Dan October 31, 2012 at 8:47 pm - Reply

    I dint surport the way fashola ban okada in lagos state.let him remenber dat most of the okada riders voted 4 him. GOD IS SEEING U,nd remember the judgement day ooo.

  43. Yemi Oladunjoye November 1, 2012 at 1:02 am - Reply

    This whole issue just sounds so funny. It’s sad how many of us celebrate our mediocrity all in the name of politics and sympathy for the masses. I really like the comment someone made about the backwardness of the Nigerian state and the need to grow. If Fasola never took this step, would many of them had known that there was a need to find a better means of livelihood? Lets stop politicising governments decisions and try to be realistic. The white man is enjoying a good life and living by working really hard but we are just concerned about how to make fast money. Many of the Okada riders you are sympathising with would spend sometime wasting their daily earns on merriment. Many of them don’t even use it to feed their family. Have bothered to ask from them the level of savings made over there years? Someone would want to ask me that how muh are they making abi? Don’t you think that the little you are able to save will go a long way in saving your future? Lets be dynamic and work towards a good Nigeria. I’m so much afraid of them future of Nigeria and the level of reasoning of many of the citizens.

  44. Yemi Oladunjoye November 1, 2012 at 1:19 am - Reply

    This whole issue just sounds so funny. It’s sad how many of us celebrate our mediocrity all in the name of politics and sympathy for the masses. I really like the comment someone made about the backwardness of the Nigerian state and the need to grow. If Fasola never took this step, would many of them have known that there was a need to find a better means of livelihood? Lets stop politicising governments decisions and try to be realistic. The white man is enjoying a good life and living by working really hard but we are just concerned about how to make fast money. Many of the Okada riders you are sympathising with would spend sometime wasting their daily earns on merriment. Many of them don’t even use it to feed their family. Have you ever bothered to ask from them the level of savings made over the years? Someone would want to ask me that how much are they making abi? Don’t you think that the little you are able to save will go a long way in saving your future? Lets be dynamic and work towards a good Nigeria. I’m so much afraid of the future of Nigeria and the level of reasoning of many of the citizens.

  45. Dipo November 1, 2012 at 5:07 am - Reply

    Wale, I am dissappointed in your arguement here because this is below the level of intelligence. Are you suggesting okada or other commercial bus drivers should be free to eat while driving or are you saying with so much happiness that the above picture with the woman carrying her child on her back while riding the okada is a true representation of safe modern transportation. This is so sick and you need some orientation yourself.

  46. Angel Gabriel November 1, 2012 at 8:46 am - Reply

    i wonder the way people think, mixing politics with safety decision,most people that are complaining are complaining not for the intrest they have for the okada riders but for the intrest of their own bussiness, i have a friend who post a comment simply bcos he has 8 okada bought for people to ride for him.those it mean the Goverment and the special advisers and the state assembly are fools..we that patronize, the so called Okada riders, ride with prayers in our heart..Goverment decision might be harsh, but there is sence in every Nonsence.

  47. Ama November 1, 2012 at 9:59 am - Reply

    People. Keeps talking about jobless youth littering all over the place. How many of the youths can defend their result? student graduates with first class, distinction, upper credit but they cannot defend their result all because they engaged themselves in malpractice to earn such results. No employer will employ someone who does not know what he or she is doing. People should stop blaming the government for not providing jobs to the youth. Youth should engage themselves in small scale businesses or farming.

  48. ADELEKE PETER November 1, 2012 at 12:18 pm - Reply

    Truth is BITTER in Nigeria. Gov. Fashola made it Clearly in his statement on MITV during His Campaign that He, Fashola will not “BAN Okada nor Demolish Building” in Lagos State that the Rumours they heard from PDP wasn’t TRUE. Only PDP Government Ban Okada in it states. Okada Riders are His People.
    Now Fashola had swallowed his Statements. I can plan my days without taking bike to my various destine places I might go daily. But Let this man Ammend this Law or even revert it until LASG provide other means of Transport to its Citizen / Residentals by Deploying more Ferry, Rail System and City Bus as well before doing this because all Lagos Roads are busy.
    I don’t support any party either PDP, CPC, LP,ANPP or ACN but I support good works of induviduals.
    Don’t destroy your good profile because You, Gov. Fashola still have a long way to go.
    GOD BLESS NIGERIA! EKO ONI BAJE OOO!!!

  49. Paulinzee November 1, 2012 at 1:20 pm - Reply

    If you were Fashiola, woud you allow the Okadas to have their way to the detriment of the welfare of the citzens of the state. What is the average income tax inpact do they contribute to the revenue of the state? No robbery ever occurred in Lagos without involving okada.
    What impressive does out side world get about Lagos. If you are the Governor, what would you tell visiting international citizens? Can you guess the enormity of damages done to public infrastratures in lagos by okada riders. The wonder trees imported by Lagos state government were deliberately killed or uprooted by okada riders. I have seen an okada rider removing the old tyres government agents used to protect the young plants.
    For a city like Lagos, total ban and not partial ban is necessary. Replace them with keke. We are suffering now, but we will soon get used to it.

  50. emmamuel November 2, 2012 at 3:48 am - Reply

    i did not suport ban. but i suport high way like lagos/abeokuta highway. gov deny about 6000 pple their daily bread. d same ppl vote u in n u collect money 4 riders card n ticket. all dos aboki or mallam are d problem in lagos. gov pls rethink plss

  51. kingsman November 2, 2012 at 4:49 am - Reply

    God will bless u fasola. bcos when there is no okada in lagos people still go to work and coma back in time. i like ur action. they have kill many people. in cross river today no okada and people are still there. thank Mr. Fasola

  52. scofield November 2, 2012 at 10:26 pm - Reply

    Thats the average nigerian thinking
    Pls ask yourselves what new road this silly gov built for his so called Brt buses are they not the same old roads that we had that they manipulated and divided to call one Brt lanes
    Let him build new roads for d so called brt and how many of u posters efficiently use this so called services
    No be by mouth joor you’ll all pay dearly

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *