Christmas: Obiano lifts restriction on “Okada”, “keke” movement
Gov. Willie Obiano of Anambra has lifted the restriction of movement placed on private and commercial motorcyclists also known as “okada” and tricycle “keke” operators in the state.
The information is contained in a statement issued by the state’s Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Mrs Uju Nwogu in Awka on Friday.
The statement noted that the decision was to ease transportation during the Christmas and other festivities.
It quoted the governor as saying “okada and private motorcycle riders, as well as keke operators can now ply all the roads in the state except the Enugu-Onitsha express road and Onitsha-Owerri express road.
“However, this removal of restriction is on the condition that every motorcycle rider must wear a crash helmet and carry one passenger only at a time.’’
The governor advised the motorcycle operators in the state to procure crash helmets, warning that the law enforcement agents would commence arrest of defaulters soon.
It could be recalled that the state government had restricted the movement since June 1 in some areas following increased road accidents and robbery.
The operators were barred from plying the Enugu-Onitsha expressway, Arthur Eze Avenue and Ziks Avenue in Awka and, the Onitsha-Owerri expressway, Awka Road, Borromew-Upper Iweka-Bridge Head road, Old and New Market Roads and Oguta Road in Onitsha.
They were also barred from plying the Nnewi-Nnobi road and the Nnewi -Oba road.
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1 Comments
Is this Governor aware of the risk posed by these okada and keke napep? This appears political and can have devastating consequences. A lot of people have lost their limbs or have their lives changed entirely as a result of the use of these means of transportation. In 21st century, what is needed is a safer and less-risk mode of transportation. Taxis are the safe way to go as most roads within Onitsha, Nnewi and Awka- Anambra state are now tarred.
We will review and take appropriate action.