Anambra Gears Up For Okada Ban As Commissioner Fears Opposition

…unregistered transport companies risk exit

Raymond Ozoji, Awka

As the Anambra State Government gears up for the implementation of ban on commercial motorcycle operators in Awka and Onitsha metropolis from 1st July, 2018, the state commissioner for transport Hon. Charles Uchenna Okafor says opposition elements may misconstrue government decision.

He explained that anti-Obiano proponents might want to catch in on the ban to forment trouble in the state but government had the premonition and provided an alternative promotional scheme where Okada riders would become shuttle bus owners.

Okafor who spoke to journalists in Awka at the weekend, further stated that government did not intend to render its citizens jobless but to ensure the welfare and wellbeing of the people through policies and programmes that would improve their living conditions.

He said that security agencies had been adequately mobilised to be on ground to ensure that there was no breakdown of law and order as Okada operators were shown the exit adding that government could not compromise the security of its citizenry.

Be that as it may, the commissioner stated that Mass Transit Companies in Anambra state had also been informed of the urgent need to register their companies with the state ministry of transport as well as obtain certificate of registration.

He said registration would commence from 2nd July, 2018 and that any mass transit motor company that failed to register on or before 31st July, 2018, would be shut down forthwith stressing that it was not a new law but to commence enforcement and ensure compliance.

The commissioner also noted that the policy of registration of new mass transit companies had been in existence over the years to enable government to have full data of transport companies operating in the state.