Lagos State government may soon phase out commercial motorcycles popularly known as okada the ‘yellow’ buses otherwise called as ‘Danfo,’ according to investigation. The move, impeccable sources in the state Governor’s Office said, was meant to bring sanity into the transportation sector, beginning from eradication of the operation of the commercial motorcycles in every nook and cranny of Lagos.

The latest attempt, it was learnt, was due to the increasing crime rate and violence caused by the flagrant abuse of the Lagos Traffic Law 2012, which prohibits the operations of commercial motorcyclists on 450 major roads and bridges. Hence, there is plan by the State Executive Council to review the Lagos Traffic Law, 2012 through the House of Assembly from partial ban of commercial motorcycles to total ban.

It was gathered that Governor Akinwunmi Ambode is predisposed to the flagrant abuse of the law by the motorcyclists and the commercial bus drivers who flout all the provisions of the law.

Sources said that despite the arrest of okada riders by the state Task Force on Environment and Special Unit, the governor was still not satisfied with the presence of commercial motorcycles in some areas, especially the prohibited areas.

Hence, in the last eight months, three chairmen of the task force had been sacked and appointed. “Ambode is not comfortable with the continued operation of the motorcyclists but as a listening governor, he would not just ban them immediately when he assumed office. There is an existing law which regulates their operation.

“Legally, the law will be reviewed and a drastic decision will be made which is imposing a total ban on their operation,” a source said. Another senior top government official also said that recent bloody clash at Mile 12 emphasised the need to phase out okada.

“It is not unconnected with the bloody clash in Ketu-Mile 12 area of the state, which was triggered by a dispute between an Okada operator and a passer-by, which led to loss of lives and property worth millions of naira,” the official said.

In addition to the Mile 12 clash, it was also gathered that the increasing reports of robbery carried out with the use of motorcycles might have necessitated the move. “Robbers now find it very easy to operate with the aid of okada.

No serious government will fold its arms and watch criminals take over the state. I think Lagosians should prepare for total ban of this means of transportation,” he added. According to him, government is considering a better means of transportation befitting a mega city like Lagos.

kilokeys:
Thats not the issue.. Do we actually think things through?

What are the alternatives?

For instance,

BRTs can't carry dripping cartons of fish for the fish sellers, danfos can.

freeze001:
This is the problem with our leaders. They will always take the easy way out to solve a problem. How about attacking the issues of robbery for instance, from the root causes? How about improving police operations with more frequent patrols and quick/effective response to any trouble areas? How about traffic cameras to monitor those robberies on the highway so that there are eyes always alert to tackle situations? How about giving the Commissioners of Police ultimatums to ensure drastic reduction of crime or face sack and prosecution? This is where State policing is necessary because otherwise a State Governor cannot exactly order the Commissioner to do what he ought to.

When they ban the okada and buses, what alternatives are there to ensure a seamless transition? How do people get to their homes in those nooks and crannies with bad roads that are not motorable? What plans are there to construct/repair link roads and streets for ease of movement? How will public transportation be improved and what is in place to absorb those that depend on okada and buses for their livelihood? Why do these people always cause more hardship on members of the public?

freeze001:
This is the problem with our leaders. They will always take the easy way out to solve a problem. How about attacking the issues of robbery for instance, from the root causes? How about improving police operations with more frequent patrols and quick/effective response to any trouble areas? How about traffic cameras to monitor those robberies on the highway so that there are eyes always alert to tackle situations? How about giving the Commissioners of Police ultimatums to ensure drastic reduction of crime or face sack and prosecution? This is where State policing is necessary because otherwise a State Governor cannot exactly order the Commissioner to do what he ought to.

When they ban the okada and buses, what alternatives are there to ensure a seamless transition? How do people get to their homes in those nooks and crannies with bad roads that are not motorable? What plans are there to construct/repair link roads and streets for ease of movement? How will public transportation be improved and what is in place to absorb those that depend on okada and buses for their livelihood? Why do these people always cause more hardship on members of the public?

oduastates:
Phase them out .
Other states in the SW should also follow lagos lead .
All okada brings is lawless into our cities and human misery .
Farmers living their farms to become okadamen in the city.
It also gives excuses to the lazy and unhealthy who do not exercise ,but blame the evil mother in law when they fall sick . Walking journeys become bike rides.

dre11:




http://newtelegraphonline.com/lagos-phase-motorcycles-danfo-investigation/

dre11:





http://newtelegraphonline.com/lagos-phase-motorcycles-danfo-investigation/

lekkie073:
danfos r not d only alternative.
the fishseller and other marktwomen going to d same locality can arrange for pick up delivery cars....it is already done in some places like yaba where u see five to six ppl renting a pick up van to transport their wares to theie abode.

NextGovernor:
It gonna be hot 4 common man under dis regime. Why not make things right b4 immitating western countries. Sometime it baffles me if these governments officials don't reason with there head.