Cross River Bans Commercial Motorcyclists In Calabar

The Cross River state government has banned the operations of commercial motorcyclists in the Calabar metropolis.

According to a statement on Wednesday by Emmanuel Ogbeche, chief press secretary to the governor, the move is aimed at “ensuring a safe and secure Cross River”.

Ogbeche said those caught violating the directive would be prosecuted.

“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,” the statement reads.

“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 advised those involved in vandalisation of public amenities like street lights, lamp posts, traffic lights to desist forthwith, “as culprits will be made to face the full wrath of the law”.

In May 2022, the Lagos state government announced a “total ban” on commercial motorcyclists in six LGAs in the state — Ikeja, Surulere, Eti Osa, Lagos Mainland, Lagos Island and Apapa.

Some other state governments have also restricted the operations of commercial motorcyclists, popularly called Okada, to the outskirts of capital cities.