Lagosians have expressed their displeasure at the ban placed on Okada and Keke Napep by the Lagos State Government.
The ban took effect on February 1 with all motorcycles and tricycles prohibited from plying certain roads. Those who flouted the order have seen their vehicles seized.
Today, the 3rd of February, being the start of a working week has seen Lagosians grumble on Twitter about the ban which now leaves them no choice but to trek distance they would have normally scaled through with the use of an Okada or Keke Napep.
Below are some reactions gathered by MyNigeria.
I thought I was late to work till I saw my boss in the crowd!!! I took this picture for my answer to query #otrek #OkadaBan pic.twitter.com/zUpP5WTgbP
— ghost ???? (@__papilo_) February 3, 2020
How Lagosians look when they leave home this morning vs when they arrive at work #OkadaBan : pic.twitter.com/yMBjZ7URHz
— Ediye (@iamOkon) February 3, 2020
Sanwo Eko Wants all of us to be fit... A governor I double Stan ???????????? #OkadaBan pic.twitter.com/V5ssqSrrgR
— Oluwaseyifunmi Uzamat (@uzamatt) February 3, 2020
Dear Lagosians, kindly stay safe out there. Don’t accept every lift offer you get from any vehicle when trekking to your bus stop or office.
— Tife???? (@Tife_fabunmi) February 3, 2020
It’s better to trek few distances than to get missing.
Stay safe and observant.????
Dear Lagosians, kindly set your alarms for 3am. Za trekking
— FashionSocket(DressesShoesBagsandSneakers) (@jlckaima) February 2, 2020
will be more like when Israelites left Egypt????
Items needed for the trip:
1. Flat slippers so your shoe no go chop ( i dey sell ??????)
2. carry water bottle
3. Handkerchief
4. Bodyspray n deodorant
5. Healthy snacks pic.twitter.com/6Bpd98GvWX
Dear Lagosians, I just want to remind you that nothing is permanent. Your trekking will end soon, you will buy your dream car before the of this year. IJN, Amen
— Charles E. O. (@OziboOfficial) February 3, 2020
Dear Lagosians
— Abiola Racheal (@rahchellin) February 3, 2020
I should be the 205th person on this queue from Agege to Alausa ooooo! Something you’ll carry just #200 bike.
Sanwoolu is Working, Lagosians are Walking ???? pic.twitter.com/96BX0dtk3O
Dear Lagosians please stay strong. The amount of people at the bus stops this morning are enormous and most are going far, if at all you get a bus, you'll pay extra cos they know you don't have another alternative to go far.
— ???????????????????????????????????????? ????????????????????????????????????? ????????????? ? (@AimThaMachine_) February 3, 2020
Dear Lagosians, when you're in traffic and there's no bike just remember that a journey of a thousand miles begins with a step
— Sir Vage ???? (@sammie_chika) February 3, 2020
So walk it like I talk it ????
My boss queried me for being 6mins Late to work last week..
— Don-PaBLO (@PaBLO1759) February 3, 2020
Guess what Dear Lagosians? We're both trekking to work now????
Why is he doing pity face.. Carry your bag yourself o..
Dear Lagosians, are we just gona start trekking or we protest the ban placed on bike and Marwa?
— ALHAJI Chima TeaAddict???????????????? #cfc# ???? ??????????? (@teejaybaba) February 3, 2020
Dear Lagosians, if you are still sleeping now you wrong.
— Tosin Olugbenga (@TosinOlugbenga) February 3, 2020
I hope you've gotten your trekking sandals ready in like manner to the Israelites.
The difference is whether yours would be walk to freedom or more oppression.
Accept my sympathy, we are in this together though.
Dear Lagosians,
— Anu Praise (@anu_praise) February 3, 2020
I'm recommending few tips on how to get to work faster
Step 1 : trek for a while,
Step 2 : when you feel tired faint (fake) by a major road side
Step 3 : that their useless ambulance will come for you
dear lagosians
— Ayomide???? (@idkayor) February 3, 2020
today's playlist.
Naira Marley - Tesumole
Naira Marley - Mafo
Burna Boy - Anybody
Burna Boy - run my race
Migos - Walk it Talk it.
retweet and add yours ????
Meanwhile, The Lagos State Government has said that the ban placed on motorcycles aka Okada and Tricycles aka Keke Napepe has been widely accepted by Lagosians due to their compliance.
The government made this known through a statement issued on Facebook.
According to the statement, measures to ease the discomfort faced by Lagosians due to the ban are currently being worked on by the government.
The statement reads: "The government of Lagos State praises motorcycle and tricycle operators for complying with the restriction from six local government areas, major highways and bridges. The enforcement of the State Security Council’s order began on Saturday, February 1, 2020. The level of compliance was over 90 %. In fact, some of the ride hailing companies directed their riders to obey the directive. This is commendable.
"The high level of compliance has shown that Lagosians agree with the government on the need to stop the danger that commercial motorcycles and tricycles have become - a big threat to safety of lives and security of our people. They should stand firm in supporting the government.
"The little discomfort experienced by commuters on some routes due to the absence of motorcycles and tricycles is noted. This will not last as alternatives are being rolled out.
"A fleet of 65 buses will join the others on some major routes as from Monday , February 3, 2020: No less than 550 more buses are being expected. Besides, 14 ferries will be commissioned on Tuesday. This will further open up the waterways, reduce travel time on various routes and provide safe, dependable and comfortable alternatives for commuters.
"The government is not unaware that enforcing this directive may lead to some job losses. The Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, plans to announce some measures to tackle the likely effects of the order, besides the programmes of various agencies, such as the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF), Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Office of Civic Engagement, Lagos State Parks and Gardens and others.
"The government hereby warns all those who are planning to unleash violence on the state because of the ongoing enforcement to have a change of heart. Lagosians are peace loving and law abiding people, who will not embrace any disruption of their legal activities by failed politicians hiding under the evil of unwholesome activism. The law enforcement agents have been directed to ensure that nobody takes the law into his hands. The government places a very high premium on law and order in the interest of all Lagosians. It will not fail to act when peace is threatened.
