Motorcycle riders, popularly known as Okada, in Kaduna, on Friday, vowed to remain in business until the state government arrests and forcefully collects the last Okada rider’s motorcycle in the state.
The Kaduna State House of Assembly had on May 2, 2014 during era of former Governor, Mukhtar Ramalan Yero passed and signed into law, an order banning the operation of commercial motorcycles in Zaria and Kafanchan towns, including other suburbs of the state, citing insecurity as the main reason.
But Okada riders’ union then, code named; Amalgamated Commercial Motorcycle Owners and Riders Association of Nigeria (ACOMORON), Kaduna State chapter Secretary general, Malam Nasiru Mohammed pleaded with the state government under the leadership of Alhaji Ramalan Yero to shelve the idea, adding that, going ahead to sign the law without adequate alternative was insensitive on the part of the government.
He then called for more palliatives to cushion the effect of job losses for the okada riders which would enable them cater for their families and personal needs.
Since then, motorcyclists have continued with their businesses, while government officials, businessmen and members of the public have continued to patronised them as the easiest and effective means of transport in the State.
Again, on September 29, 2021, Kaduna Government under the leadership of Malam Nasir El-rufai banned the use of motorcycles and restricted tricycles’ movement.
Kaduna state Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Mr. Samuel Aruwan who announced the ban in a statement said it was because of security threat.
Following the ban, security operatives were instructed to arrest, seize and confiscate any motorcycles that defies government directives, just as motorcylists have continued to operate side by side, especially in the suburbs just to make ends meet.