By Oluwole Farotimi
LAGOS State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode has banned commercial motorcycle operators popularly known as Okada from operating within Mile 12 and adjoining communities in Ikosi-Isheri Local Council Development Area (LCDA).
Speaking at a joint press briefing yesterday, addressed by the leadership of Mile 12 market, Maidan and Agiliti community at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre, Alhaji Shehu Usman, financial secretary of the market said they have decided to work with the state government to achieve its goals. Usman said they have agreed with the government to ban Okada as a means of commercial transportation in the area because of their flagrant disobedience to the 2012 Road Traffic Law.
“Also, they cause road accidents in the area. For instance, they were responsible for the breakdown of law and order, which predicated the present crisis in our communities.
“Shanties and blighted areas within the communities that could harbour miscreants will be removed to eliminate illegal activities of hoodlums from the community.”
Usman equally explained that the shanties were illegal structures and unsuitable for human habitation.
“These areas are prone to landslides and other environmental problems, especially flooding. Their removal will greatly enhance security of lives and property in the communities.”
The financial secretary also noted that they have agreed to eschew violence and uphold peaceful co-existence in the communities.
Speaking on relocation of market, Usman said: “The Mile 12 market has been in existence for decades. So, it has outgrown its present location and available infrastructure.
“It has become necessary for its relocation to another suitable and convenient location within the state.
“The market executives will dialogue further with the state government on the relocation programme which will help increase the economic growth and development, provide better infrastructure and reduce traffic congestion on the expanded Mile 12-Ikorodu Road,” he added.
Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Tunji Bello, warned that government will deal decisively with any group of persons that disturbs public peace in the state.
He urged the leaders “to talk to their people” to be law-abiding and maintain peace, saying the state government will finalise on the location of the market and time frame.