Posted by By Olasunkanmi Akoni& Mayowa Owolabi on
GOVERNOR Bola Tinubu of Lagos State yesterday threatened to ban the activities of commercial motorcyclists popularly called "Ökada"in the state, saying, "their destructive tendencies in the face of slightest provocation as well as the environmental nuisance they constitute can no longer be tolerated."
LAGOS - GOVERNOR Bola Tinubu of Lagos State yesterday threatened to ban the activities of commercial motorcyclists popularly called "Ökada"in the state, saying, "their destructive tendencies in the face of slightest provocation as well as the environmental nuisance they constitute can no longer be tolerated."
He also called on all governmental and non governmental organizations, groups, individuals and stakeholders on the need to collaborate in the efforts at combating the menace of environmental problems.
Two days ago a group of Okada riders went berserk in Ikeja and environs and destroyed both public and private property worth over N5million, following an alleged killing of one of their members Mr. Peter Edeh by one Naval officer Lt Felix Odulami.
Governor Tinubu in his address at the opening ceremony of a 2 day Workshop on Harmonisation of Assigned Functions of stakeholders on environmental matters, organized by the state Ministry of Environment in collaboration with the New Era Foundation, noted that Lagos being the most populous state in the country habours different kinds of people both with job and the jobless thereby creating a diverse complex environmental problems, inwhich the Okada riders have worsen in recent times by uncultured attitude to members of the public.
While imploring stakeholders at the event to consider the use of Okada riders in the new initiatives to be introduced, Tinubu said that the nuisance Okada riders pose in the state had reached an alarming state and needed to be checkmated before it snowballed.
His words;" Ï have observed with indignation the menace of these Okada riders, I would not hesitate banning them if they continue in their wild attitude of destroying property at slightest provocation, that is if they do not check their destructive tendencies, a case in time was the events of past two days."They litter the environment with used sachet water, we are going to give them brooms to sweep the streets". He then implored the stakeholders in collaboration with other relevant ministry to fashion out a way of involving the Okada riders in the new environmental culture to be introduced soon.
He continued : "As much as we are committed to providing a conducive environment to our citizens , we will not compromise our state of the environment in sustaining as a model to other states and a centre of excellence.".
Tinubu however, pledged the support of his administration in ensuring a total cleaner environment by supporting , morally and financially any initiative at evolving a better environment in the state. He also commended the ministry of Environment and New Era Foundation for their efforts in recent past, especially the deflooding exercise.
He stressed that because the state is located on geographical zone which is below water level, it is bound to experience some flash-flooding in some areas.