Former governor of Lagos state, Fashola backs okada ban, narrates how they once robbed him

Reactions continue to trail the hardship that has accompanied the decision by the Lagos State Government to ban bikes and tricycles in parts of the state.

A former governor of the state and one who also initiated the ban during his tenure, Babatunde Fashola has weighed in.

The former governor who now serves as the Minister of Works and Housing says the use of motorcycles as a major means of transportation is not in the plan of Lagos State and should be banned.

Mr Fashola spoke at a public lecture organised by the United Action for Change in Lagos on Thursday.

He said: “If you are concerned about security you must support the present Lagos governor now on Okada ban. As the Center of Excellence, motorcycles should not be our choice of transport,” He said

He went on to add that the business had become a camouflage for criminals.

He said, “Do we stand in reacting mode or proactive mode. If reacting, there is already a victim and a criminal. If we are proactive then how long can we sustain that?

“Motorcycles are means of peddling drugs to children even under the watch of parents without knowing. I’ve always held this position. Motorcycle has always been a conduit pipe for the opioid crisis among youths. We must act to eliminate anonymity.

“I was robbed in my home, in fact on my bed in 1999. Organised crime is dynamic, criminals are aware that people don’t keep money at home again, now they diversified into kidnapping people for ransom.”