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By Bayo Animasaun, Kehinde Ajose, Olaotan Falade
The ban placed upon operators of motorcycles (Okada) and tricycles (Maruwa) is beginning to take its toll on residents of the state.
Recall that the state government had last week placed a ban on the operations of the riders effective Saturday, February 1.
The ban according to the government covers all major highways and bridges that run across fifteen selected local government and council development areas in the state.
However, as expected Lagosians who are used to leveraging on okadas as the fastest form of transportation to their destinations were on Monday shocked as the riders were either not seen at all or operating briskly (at exorbitant rates) to avoid arrest by the Lagos State Task Force team.
A tour of major areas by the TNG team on Monday showed impressive level of compliance albeit at commuters’ expense.
Defiant riders protest ban
Meanwhile, the ban did not go down well with riders who alleged that their means of livelihood was forcefully taken from them without alternatives. They promised to resist attempts by the government to render them jobless.
From Ikeja to Ijora-Olopa and other places, the police had a hectic day dispersing the protesters who set bonfires on major roads in that axis. Three were reportedly killed and others severely injured during the clash.
‘How do they want us to survive with our families? The government did not buy this bike for me. I did all forms of menial jobs to buy it. Despite the risk involved, Okada work is just about the easiest way out of the urge to commit crime and joblessness. I have OND but that certificate has never been useful. No job anywhere. When hunger was biting hard and there was no one to run to for help, I saved up to buy the bike from menial jobs that I do. It’s what I use to care for my three children and wife. The government should consider lifting this selfish ban,’ one of the riders running a brisk business in Amuwo Odofin area of Lagos said.
A rider with one of the merchant companies, who identified himself as Wale said it was sad that the government implemented the ban without caring how the riders especially the private ones will survive. ‘Government needs to understand that nobody is happy riding okada. The risk involved is life threatening. But we have to survive. It’s something we do just for the money. And no rider in his right senses will pray to do this for long before finding a better means of survival,’ Wale said.
Commuters berate government, trek long distance to work
It was an endurance trek sort of for some commuters especially those living within the restricted axis for Okada and Maruwa. Commuters in their hundreds dressed formally for work waited endlessly for miracles that never happened. In Ikeja for instance, the roads were free but only enjoyable to private car owners. Commuters were heard placing heavy curses on government for ‘messing’ up their Monday. They imagined how they will survive under this harsh reality till weekend and probably forever.
‘This ban is senseless. How can you place ban on something you are yet to provide alternatives to? You can’t fix a problem by causing a bigger one. They promised releasing some buses but how can that cater for the passengers all the routes that okada and keke were banned? This government is just out to punish us for voting it in, nothing more!,’ a female stranded commuter in Ikeja said.
The ban wasn’t any better with commuters in Apapa. Commuters were seen drained and almost lifeless as they manage to trek to office. ‘The big commercial buses can’t ply all routes. We rely on Okada and Maruwa to take us to those places. Banning them without replacements is irresponsibility of the highest order’, Sunday, a commuter said walking hurriedly to work.
Endure the inconveniences, it won’t last long, Lagos Government assures commuters
Following the outrage by residents on Saturday and Sunday, the state government on Sunday evening appealed to commuters to bear the inconveniences while working to improve the situation.
The state said the ban, which is being enforced in 15 local government areas and local council development areas across the state, became necessary due to the casualty figures resulting from their operations.
In a statement released on the official Twitter page of Lagos State Government Sunday evening, the government said the level of compliance was over 90 per cent. “In fact, some of the ride hailing companies directed their riders to obey the directive. This is commendable,” it said.
According to the statement, “the high level of compliance has shown that Lagosians agree with the government on the need to stop the danger that commercial motorcycles and tricycles have become – a big threat to safety of lives and security of our people.
“The little discomfort experienced by commuters on some routes due to the absence of motorcycles and tricycles is noted. This will not last as alternatives are being rolled out.”
The state further said a fleet of 65 buses will join the others on some major routes as from Monday February 3, 2020. “No less than 550 more buses are being expected. Besides, 14 ferries will be commissioned on Tuesday.”
It also said “this will further open up the waterways, reduce travel time on various routes and provide safe, dependable and comfortable alternatives for commuters.
“The government is not unaware that enforcing this directive may lead to some job losses. The Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, plans to announce some measures to tackle the likely effects of the order.
“Besides the programmes of various agencies, such as the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF), Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Office of Civic Engagement, Lagos State Parks and Gardens and others.”
O’Horse to the rescue
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As expected, some residents took advantage of the service breakdown to launch new service. Called O’Horse in replica of one of the ride hailing companies, the horse riders pick maximum of two passengers and charge them based on their destination. However, one of the horses was seen collapsed in a viral video after walking some distance.