The Cross River State government has reportedly banned commercial motorcyclists popularly known as 'okada' from operating in Calabar, the capital of the state.

In a statement released by Governor Prince Bassey Otu's chief press secretary, Emmanuel Ogbeche, the move was to create a safe and secure Cross River.

According to him, persons willing to use their motorcycles to earn a decent living are therefore restricted only to remote areas away from the city centre.

He noted that persons caught flouting the new directive will face prosecution.

The statement read;

“His Excellency Senator Prince Bassey Otu, after due consultation with key security chiefs in the state, has directed as follows: A total ban on the activities of all commercial motorcyclists within the Calabar metropolis.

“Those willing to use their motorcycles to earn a decent living are restricted only to remote areas away from the city centre.

“Anyone caught going against this directive will have the motorcycle impounded and the offender prosecuted.”