Gov Alex Otti

Abia State Governor, Alex Otti has announced the ban of commercial motorcycles, popularly known as Okada, within Umuahia and Aba metropolises.

Otti, in a statement signed and released on Sunday through his Chief Press Secretary, Kazie Uko, directed security agencies in the two cities to arrest any individual caught violating the order for possible prosecution.

The Governor stated that starting from Monday, August 14, 2023, any motorcycle seen on the streets of Umuahia and Aba townships being used for such a purpose will be impounded by the security agencies.

The Abia State government, however, did not clarify why a ban was issued on okada use. Speculations, however, are that it was part of the measures being applied by the state government to tackle crime in parts of the two cities.

Reports are that some critics of the state government are saying that the policy would further increase unemployment among youths.

According to Daily Post, the critics also urged the Abia State government to ensure that the ban is not restricted to only civilian okada riders but also to some security personnel who use okada.