Anambra To Ban Commercial Motorcyclists

The Anambra State Government, says it is considering to ban the operations of commercial motorcyclists, popularly known as Okada in the state.

The State Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Mr Joe Uzodike, made this known when he briefed newsmen on the outcome of the meeting of the State Executive Council.

He said the government was considering taking the decision based on the ‘ugly activities’ of some Okada riders and the inability of their union to control the activities of some of its members.

Uzodike said that despite the efforts of the government to partner with the union in view of its relevance to the people, the activities of some members might compel the government to take the decision.

He said that if the government banned  motorcyclists in the state the people should not construe it as being insensitive to their feelings.

“Rather it should be seen as an action taken to protect the people,’’ he said, adding that government would seek alternative means to meet the transport needs of the people.

The commissioner announced that government had earmarked N2 billion to construct 15.3kilometres of road to link Uzoakwa-Obahuekwe-Oseakwu communities.

He said that the meeting resolved that all commissioners in the state would soon be out on the streets and markets to ask the people for their tax receipts. “

It is our civic duty to protect the state by collecting its revenue and ensuring that it is well used when collected, “The decision is also intended to make the people responsive to their civic duties,’’ he said.

Uzodike said that the government would present a car to Mr Ifeanyichukwu Enechukwu, a former House of Assembly speaker in old Anambra, with a token of N1 million for his upkeep.

He said that the late deputy governor of the old Anambra, Chief Austin Ezenwa, would be given a state burial and his gratuity would be paid to his family.