TheCable

The Lagos state government says less than four million commuters are affected by the restriction of okada in six local government areas, nine local council development authorities as well as some highways and bridges.

The action had been described as anti-masses, with many accusing the government of Babajide Sanwo-Olu of creating unnecessary hardship.

But speaking at a press conference, Gbenga Omotoso, commissioner for information and strategy, said the government carried out the restriction because of the causalities recorded were very high and it could not ignore this since the major responsibility is to protect lives.

“We have not banned commercial motorcycles and tricycles, we have merely implemented an existing law which limits their operations on highways, bridges, and in specific local government areas and local council development areas in the state,” said Omotoso who was represented by Sina Thorpe, permanent secretary of information ministry.

“If you look at the affected LGAs under restrictions, the numbers is less than four million commuters, a figure less that 12 percent of states population of 2o million, and that measures were already being put in place to ensure seamless commute for those who lived in such areas or worked there.”

Omotosho also said security concerns necessitated government’s decision, adding that there had been a sudden influx of illegal aliens in the state, “who seemed to constitute a mini-army of motorcycle riders and tricycle operators”.

He said several intelligence reports had pointed to high security risk in their “unfettered movement around Lagos.

“There had been a sudden rise, almost overnight, one would notice huge trucks bringing these illegal aliens of people into the state. This raised many security questions, and investigations had been made to determine that it was in best interest of the state to curb their activities,” he said.

“This matter has been choice we had to take between economic concerns and the health and security of our people, we chose you, the people of Lagos State”.

While inaugurating 14 commercial ferries at the Badore ferry terminal in Ajah, on Tuesday, the governor said the restriction on motorcycle and tricycle will be sustained.

“I wish to use this opportunity reassure Lagosians that the recent policy on restriction of okada and tricycles in some parts of the State, is not intended to inflict pain on the people. The policy was conceived and implemented with the interest, welfare, and safety of Lagosians in mind,” he said.

“Security and safety of citizens are paramount to any government. As a responsible government, we will not fold our arms and allow security breach in the state.”