Cross Rivers State Government has prohibited commercial motorcyclists, popularly known as okada, from operating in the Calabar metropolis for security reasons.
In a statement on Wednesday, the governor’s chief press secretary, Emmanuel Ogbeche, stated that the decision is intended to create a safe and secure Cross River.
Ogbeche added that anyone caught breaking the 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.”
The state government also warned individuals who vandalise public facilities such as street lights, lamp posts, and traffic lights to stop immediately, and those who break the regulation will be punished.
