… Gives concession to motorcyclists in Nnewi, others
… Says offenders to face the wrath of the law
Worried by the resurgence of commercial motorcycle riders popularly known as Okada on the major roads in Awka, Onitsha, Nnewi and Ekwulobia, the Anambra State Government has reiterated that the ban on commercial motorcycles in major cities in the state is still in force.
The Commissioner for Information, Sir Paul Nwosu who disclosed this in a Post Anambra State Executive Council (ANSEC) press release, noted that commercial motorcycle riders popularly known as “Okada” had gradually found their ways back on the roads in Awka, Onitsha, Nnewi and Ekwulobia.
Nwosu observed that the recklessness of the Okada riders, owing to lack of riding training and ignorance of traffic signs were beginning to produce high rate of avoidable accidents on roads.
According to him, “Added to this is the fact that “Okada” has been fingered severally by law enforcement agents as being the major conveyor belt through which criminals ply their nefarious businesses.
“In the light of these ugly trends, government hereby restates and reiterates that the ban on commercial motorcycles in our major cities such as Awka, Onitsha, Nnewi and Ekwulobia is still in force. Anyone caught violating them will be made to face the full wrath of the law.”
He however, stated that for a place like Nnewi where private motorcycles were means of commuting to places of work and business, the riders must wear crash helmets to protect their heads in case of accidents.
“Companies involved in courier services, dispatch services and home deliveries must register with the Ministry of Transport and have their riders properly kitted up.
“Okada may ply the sub urban and rural areas where motor transport is scarce. But a plan is underway to have them enumerated and branded in order to determine the genuine commercial motorcyclists and be able to track any operator who is involved in breaching the law”, he added.
Speaking on domestic violence, the Commissioner said, “ANSEC took exception to the increasing wave of domestic violence against spouses of both genders as it has been discovered that male spouses have also become victims of domestic violence.Domestic brutality or savagery in whatever form will no longer be tolerated in Anambra State.
“Anybody that is implicated in a case of domestic violence henceforth would be arrested and tried before a court of competent jurisdiction and punished accordingly.
“Spouses should learn to live in peace and harmony so that their lives would be worthy of emulation by their children and grandchildren, neighbours.”
Photo: Sir Paul Nwosu, Commissioner for Information, Anambra State.
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