The Governor of Cross Rivers State, Bassey Otu, has prohibited the operations of commercial motorcycles, commonly referred to as Okada, within the city of Calabar.
POLITICS NIGERIA reports that the governor’s directive specifies that individuals who wish to utilise their motorcycles for commercial purposes may only do so in remote areas, away from the city centre.
According to a statement released by Emmanuel Ogbeche, the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, the ban on commercial motorcyclists within the Calabar metropolis is absolute.
Violators of this directive, the statement said, will face severe consequences, including the impoundment of their motorcycles and subsequent prosecution.
The governor said the decision was taken after consultation with Security Chiefs in the state.
“A total ban on the activities of all commercial motorcyclists within the Calabar metropolis.
“Those willing to use their motorcycles to earn a decent living are restricted only to remote areas away from the city centre.
“Anyone caught going against this directive will have the motorcycle impounded and the offender prosecuted,” the statement reads partly.
