AD decries tricycle ban in Lagos

Lagos - A chieftain of the Alliance for Democracy (AD) in Lagos, Chief Kola Ajayi, on Sunday decried the banning of commercial tricycles on major highways in Lagos.

Mr Kayode Opeifa,the Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation,  had on May 10, announced the ban at a news conference in Lagos.

Opeifa said that operation of the tricycles, popularly called Keke Marwa, constituted a nuisance on roads in Lagos.

Ajayi, who is the Chairman of the AD in Lagos State, said that the ban was unnecessary, considering the suffering of millions of Lagos residents, who depended on tricycles for transportation.

'After the ban on Okada on almost all roads in Lagos State, moving round the state has become tortuous for residents.

'Millions of Lagos commuters are now affected as they have to trek for hours and miles.

'The state had not made provisions for adequate transportation alternative which should have been in place before this ban.'

He said that the reasons adduced for the ban were far-fetched as over seven million Lagos residents depended on commercial motorcycles and tricycles, not only for movement but for survival.

Ajayi said that it was ironic that the state, which bought commercial motorcycle jackets and helmets during the 2011 elections, for the riders, turned round shortly after and banned them.

'Most of the motorbike riders borrowed money to buy tricycles and are now targeted for another ban.'

According to him, robbery incidents and accidents that are given as reasons for the ban on Okada has multiplied in the state since the ban.

'Aero plane kill hundreds of people in one crash. Ships and ferries capsize and kill all on board. So also do mini-buses, cars and trailers.

'Many more people including okada riders and their passengers have died while being pursued by law enforcement officers for arrest.

'The state must learn to give human face to its policies.'

Ajayi, however, urged the State Government to re-reconsider its stand on the tricycles and to ensure the provision of adequate alternative means of transportation in the state. (NAN)