The Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu has placed an immediate ban on commercial motorcycles popularly known as okada in the state’s capital, Calabar.
Declaring the ban on all commercial motorcycles within the Calabar metropolis, the governor on Wednesday issued a statement signed by his spokesman, Emmanuel Ogbeche.
The state government via the press release further warned that anyone caught going against the directive will have the motorcycle impounded and the offender prosecuted by the law court.
According to the statement, the ban on okada in Calabar followed due consultations with security chiefs in Cross River state.
“The Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, after due consultation with key security chiefs in the state has directed a total ban on the activities of all commercial motorcycles within the Calabar Metropolis,” the statement read in part.
“Those willing to use their motorcycles to earn a decent living are restricted only to remote areas away from the city centre.”
The Cross River state government also issued a stern warning to residents against the vandalization of public assets like streetlights, lamp posts and traffic lights.
It also advised criminals to desist forthwith as culprits will be made to face the full wrath of the law.
