Lagos: Arewa Community Accepts Ban On Okada Operation
The Arewa Community in Lagos State has accepted the ban placed on okada operation in six local government areas by the Lagos State government.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State had last Wednesday issued a fresh total ban on okada riders’ operations in six local government areas, which are Eti-Osa, Ikeja, Lagos Island, Lagos Mainland, Apapa, and Surulere.
He said that with effect from 1st June, security operatives should enforce the proscription order across the listed councils.
However, a communique issued at the end of an extraordinary meeting of the Arewa Community General Assembly held on Sunday 22nd May 2022 said it resolved that all its members must comply with the provisions of the Laws of Lagos State.
The communique signed by Alhaji Musa Saleh,
Secretary-General of the association condemns the activities of all criminal elements who, the association claim, are mostly foreigners from Niger Republic, Chad, Cameroon and other neighbouring countries, “who have infiltrated the ranks of those genuine riders and thereby perpetrating all forms of crime in Lagos State and are constituting serious threats to the lives and properties of Lagosians”.
The association also tasks the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) to step up its actions along the borderline in checking the influx of those foreign elements coming into the country without genuine intention.
“We are in total commitment and support to the Administrative policies of the Lagos State Government getting rid of all security threats, promoting peace and tranquillity, safeguarding Lives and Properties of Lagos and the massive provision and development of Infrastructural facilities for all Lagosians.
” We are calling on all well-meaning Arewa Community Members to comply with our common resolve and avoid the Local Governments of Apapa, Surulere, Lagos Island, Lagos Mainland, Eti-Osa and Ikeja.
“We will work with the Lagos State Government and the Association of Arewa Okada Riders towards the implementation of extant rules and documentation of all Riders in all Local Governments of Lagos State.
While calling on the Lagos State government to be vigilant and take proper punitive measures against bad eggs within the security agencies, the association beseeched the state government to support its developmental programmes including registration, data generation and compliance monitoring; and 2-wheels to 4-wheels upgrade programme for the same costs
