Lawrence Nwimo, Awka
Anambra government has restated that the ban on commercial motorcycles in major cities such as Awka, Onitsha, Nnewi and Ekwulobia is still in force.
The Commissioner for Information, Chief Paul Nwosu, stated this while briefing the press after the weekly executive council meeting of the government at the Government House, Awka.
The Commissioner observed that some commercial motorcycle riders, popularly known as “Okada” have gradually found their ways back on roads in Awka, Onitsha, Nnewi and Ekwulobia.
He said that their recklessness owing to lack of riding training and ignorance of traffic signs are beginning to produce high rate of avoidable accidents on the state roads.
Chief Nwosu maintained that “Okada” has been fingered severally by law enforcement agents as being the major conveyor belt through which criminals ply their nefarious businesses.
The Commissioner added that for a place like Nnewi where private motorcycles are means of commuting to places of work and business, the riders must wear crash helmets to protect their heads in case of accidents.
He stated that companies involved in courier services, dispatch services and home deliveries must register with the Ministry of Transport and have their riders properly kitted up.
Chief Nwosu announced that while Okada may ply the sub urban and rural areas where motor transport is scarce, that plan is underway to have them enumerated and branded in order to determine the genuine commercial motorcyclists and be able to track any operator who is involved in breaching the law.
The information Commissioner warned that anyone caught violating these orders will be made to face the full wrath of the law.
