Cross River state government bans okada in Calabar

The Cross River State government has reportedly banned commercial motorcyclists popularly known as 'okada' from operating in Calabar, the capital of the state.

In a statement released by Governor Prince Bassey Otu's chief press secretary, Emmanuel Ogbeche, the move was to create a safe and secure Cross River.

According to him, persons willing to use their motorcycles to earn a decent living are therefore restricted only to remote areas away from the city centre.

He noted that persons caught flouting the new 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.”