Okada Ban In Abuja Remains, FCTA Warns

By:Ben Ukeji

Authorities of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), have warned commercial motorcycle operators better known as (Okada), to desist from operating in the restricted areas of the Federal Capital City or face the full wrath of the law.

Permanent Secretary, FCTA, Mr. Olusade Adesola, gave the warning Friday, during a meeting with Senior officials of the FCT Directorate of Road Traffic Services (DRTS), led by the Director, Dr. Abdul-Lateef Bello in his office, Garki, Abuja.
A statement from the Director, Information and Communication, FCT, Muhammad Hazat Sule, made available to Abuja Digest Newspaper weekend, stated that Adesola said the law banning the operations of commercial motorcycles within Abuja metropolis is still in place and will be enforced to the letter.

It quoted the Permanent Secretary as advising commercial motorcycles against violating the law, warning that all those found disobeying the ban will be made to face dire consequences.

According to the statement, Adesola also directed the Task Force to step -up its game and go into the nook and crannies of the Federal Capital City, particularly where the Administration had earlier restricted the operations of Okadas to enforce the ban.

He said that all commercial motorcyclists arrested will have their motorcycles impounded and crushed to serve as a deterrent because the law must take its course.

Adesola instructed the Task Force and officials of the Directorate of Road Traffic Services (popularly known as VIO) to go all out and rid the city of the menace; adding that there should be no sacred cow.

He reiterated that Abuja is a creation of the law and remains the face of the country, thus, no effort will be spared at maintaining the aesthetic and serenity of the capital city.

The Permanent Secretary further advised the commercial motorcyclists to, in their interest, leave the city center and go to areas not restricted for their operations such as the Satellite Towns and the Area Councils.

He reiterated that any commercial motorcyclist arrested will have the motorcycle immediately crushed in consonance with the extant rules.