In a move that will shock many Lagosian citizens, the
governorship aspirant of the All Progressive Congress (APC) might have
concluded plans to return commercial motorcyclists, popularly called,
‘Okada’ to the major roads of Nigeria’s Mega City.
In a message enclosed on a flyer distributed all around Lagos mainland. The statement read, “you can ride okada on 9000 roads and stay off 475! yes you can”. Lagos residents and former bike riders say there is need for clarification on the statement in the leaflet.
Before the October 20, 2012, government restriction of Okada on highways in Lagos, about 65-70 percent of accident victims who have varying degrees of bone injuries were said to have been caused by Okada accidents.
Apart from the social menace of Okada riders, frightening statistics have been rolled out regarding Okada related deaths or maiming – the majority of their victims being innocent passengers. More frightening statistics have been given of the level of involvement of Okada riders in crime, especially bag snatching, outright armed robbery and bomb throwing.
Indications had been rife that the use of commercial motorcycles, or okada, might be soon banned nationwide.
Meanwhile Lagosians gave the reason for the continuous existence of Okada riders on major roads as not far-fetched from the unavoidable need for a faster, reliable and flexible means of transportation within the congested area in Lagos especially those who work on the Island and live on the mainland.
In a message enclosed on a flyer distributed all around Lagos mainland. The statement read, “you can ride okada on 9000 roads and stay off 475! yes you can”. Lagos residents and former bike riders say there is need for clarification on the statement in the leaflet.
Before the October 20, 2012, government restriction of Okada on highways in Lagos, about 65-70 percent of accident victims who have varying degrees of bone injuries were said to have been caused by Okada accidents.
Apart from the social menace of Okada riders, frightening statistics have been rolled out regarding Okada related deaths or maiming – the majority of their victims being innocent passengers. More frightening statistics have been given of the level of involvement of Okada riders in crime, especially bag snatching, outright armed robbery and bomb throwing.
Indications had been rife that the use of commercial motorcycles, or okada, might be soon banned nationwide.
Meanwhile Lagosians gave the reason for the continuous existence of Okada riders on major roads as not far-fetched from the unavoidable need for a faster, reliable and flexible means of transportation within the congested area in Lagos especially those who work on the Island and live on the mainland.
Most Lagosians prefers taking an okada to and from their places of
work due to the usual traffic congestion that is experienced on Lagos
roads.
Though other school of thought has debunked the benefits that have
been accrued to motorcycle as they consider the high risk that is
associated with the use.
No comments:
Post a Comment