Bayelsa A-G Warns Okada Operators

The Attorney- General and Commissioner for Justice  Bayelsa State, Mr. Anthony George-Ikoli (SAN) has warned commercial motorcycle operators popularly called ‘okada’ in the state to desist from contravening traffic rules and regulations or face the wrath of the law.

Ikoli, who stated this in his office in Yenagoa when the executive members of the Bayelsa State Motorcycle Riders Association visited him, noted that the warning had become imperative in view of the high rate of accidents and crime associated with cyclists.

He said that the state government was worried over the unwholesome activities of many Okada riders in the state, stressing that “among you there are criminal elements operating under the guise of commercial motorcyclists”.

According to the A-G, commercial motorcycle business as a means of public transportation was a commendable venture, as it provides essential services to the society.

He assured that with the right operational guildlines, the state government would partner with the association with a view to addressing some of the challenges in the public transport sector.

Ikoli enjoined the okada riders to take up the challenge of eradicating the criminals in their mist, by ensuring proper documentation of all its members to guard against infiltration by criminals.

The commissioner used the medium to convey the decision of the state government to restrict the operation of commercial motorcycles in the state capital, just as he equally assured the association that their position over the plan would be conveyed to the Governor.

Earlier, the chairman of the association, Mr. Godwin Adokeme had informed the A-G that the purpose of their visit was to express their unalloyed support to the Governor Timipre Sylva-led administration in the state.

He sought the support of the Attorney-General for the operation of the commercial cyclists in sustaining their economic livelihood, just as he promised that the association would not relent in fishing out the criminals disguising as commercial motorcyclists and the education of its members on traffic rules and regulations.