Many Nigerians are now questioning the recent decision made by the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) to impound and crush over 400 motorbikes, commonly known as Okada, owned by commercial motorcyclists who were in violation of regulations.
This action was initiated under the direction of the new Minister of FCT, Nyesom Wike, with the aim of removing both commercial bikes and tricycle operators from unauthorized roads.
However, this move has sparked controversy, particularly due to the significant number of people living in poverty in the country, who heavily rely on these motorcycles as a source of livelihood.
SavvyRinu, a concerned citizen, raised a poignant question:
“How can you crush 400 motorbikes in a country where people are living in multidimensional poverty? Living on less than N700 per day? Who supported these kind of policies?”
Chude Nnamdi added an interesting perspective by stating that;
“The funniest thing is that we don’t even produce plug in this country but we destroy motorcycles in the name of taking them off the street.”
The funniest thing is that we don't even produce plug in this country but we destroy motorcycles in the name of taking them off the street. https://t.co/6UGqEkr4E0
— Chude Nnamdi (@chude__) September 5, 2023
EnergizeBen also expressed his frustration, saying,
“Wow, And I am sure no one was compensated. That is how this government of renewed shege keeps creating poverty and insecurity. The 400 Affected individuals will have no choice but to do whatever it takes to earn a living.”
Wow, And I am sure no one was compensated. That is how this government of renewed shege keeps creating poverty and insecurity. The 400 Affected individuals will have no choice but to do whatever it takes to earn a living.
— Energize (@EnergizeBen) September 4, 2023
Meanwhile, the FCTA administration defended its actions, explaining that the impounding and crushing of bikes occurred because commercial bike operators had consistently disregarded warnings to stay within defined boundaries.
Abdulateef Bello, the Director of the Directorate of Road Traffic Services (DRTS), revealed that the DRTS has been diligently working to uphold the partial ban on Okada riders within the Abuja City Centre since its inception in 2006.
Garba Haruna, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Commissioner of Police, emphasized that this exercise demonstrates the continued enforcement of the law regarding the ban on Okada.
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