Keke and Okada ban rattles operators in Lekki
The banning of Okada and Keke from operating in all major roads in Lagos has caused a stir among operators in Lekki. The ban which affects all the riders who ply restricted areas in the affluent neighbourhood has received a lot of backlash for being inconsiderate.
Many riders who spoke to Neusroom at Remi Olowude Street, Lekki Phase 1, expressed anger and disappointment over the issue. One of the chairmen of the riders’ base at the 2nd Roundabout, Lekki-Epe Expressway said that a lot of his members were currently going through bad times as a result of the ban.
“Before the ban, we could carry people from here [2nd roundabout] to Eko Hotel. But now we can’t even leave the street to anywhere,” he said. “It’s painful because there’s nothing else we can do.”
An angry operator cut in by saying that the government is treating them without any regard. He faulted the Lagos state government for being insensitive to their plight.
“I want to tell the government now, there will be a riot, I swear to Almighty God!” he threatened. “It’s not only me oo. I’m not the one to lead the riot, but there will be riot.”
“They said we should collect our rider’s cards with 5,000 naira. Everybody collected rider’s card,” said one rider, Michael Jaga who accused the government of deceit. “I don’t know what they want us to do again.”
Others pleaded with the government to reverse the ban to enable them take care of their families.
“Please oo, we’re begging the government to help us. This is what we use to feed our family,” an Okada rider pleaded.
Lagos State government said the decision to ban Okada and Keke from major roads was out of a desire to avert the chaos and danger they pose to other road users. It also said that this move will help in reducing accidents, traffic congestion, and robberies in the city.
Formal bike hailing services that were introduced to the city recently are also included in the ban. Known operators like Oride, Gokada, MAXOkada and others who have invested heavily in the sector are required to restrict their operations to street corners.
