Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Tuesday emphasised that there is no going back on the ban of commercial motorcyles (better known as okada) from major highways in six Local Government Areas and nine Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs).
He said security services and the state government are on the same page in respect to banning of the motorcycles in the selected areas of the state and all the enforcement agencies would go ahead with the plan.
After the State Security Council meeting at the Lagos House, Ikeja, which was attended by heads of security services in the state, Sanwo-Olu told reporters that his administration, in conjunction with security agencies, would ensure that the security architecture of the state is not compromised in any way so that the residents would continue to live their lives and do their business without any fear or favour.
He said: “The security meeting gives us an opportunity for us to review the recent pronouncement on the future banning of okada (motorcycles) in some selected local governments and LCDAs.
“We are able to put strategies in place. All of us were able to identify a lot of other things we need to do to embark on advocacy and ensure that we communicate effectively and efficiently to citizens. And that is why you see us giving out handbills in all of the major languages that we have in the country.
“There is a radio jingle being sent out to also communicate to people. I am also aware that there is a plan for advocacy on television stations as well.
“It is a people-driven initiative that we all agreed to live and to comport ourselves in similar manner. And we know what has been the effect of this. So, I am happy that all of us, the security operatives and government are on the same page with this and we will also be going ahead with our plan”.
The Governor also assured all political parties in the state of adequate security in the ongoing delegates and primary elections ahead of the 2023 general elections.
“The other thing that we discussed for public knowledge is around ensuring that the ongoing primaries and delegates elections that are happening in different parts of the state by different political parties have sufficient security coverage,” he further said.
“We enjoin that various political parties should approach the Lagos State Police Command to give them adequate security at various venues where they are conducting their various delegate and primary elections for various positions people are vying for.
“It is purely to ensure that there are no gaps and that the security architecture of the state is not compromised in any way and our citizens can continue to live their lives and do their business without any fear or favour”.
