Gokada, Max operators protest Lagos ban on Okada

Max Okada

Operators of motorcycle-hailing apps, Gokada and Max, on Friday protested the ban on commercial motorcyclists, popularly known as Okada riders, at the Lagos State House of Assembly.

The ban which affects six Local Governments and nine Local Council Development Areas including major highways and bridges across the state takes effect from February 1.

The protesters also marched to the Governor’s Office in Alausa carrying placards with different inscriptions like “Our Live Matter Too,” “Very Soon, Poverty Will Be a Crime in Lagos.” “Na all of us get Lagos, no be only the rich,” “Regulate us, not kill us,” among others.

Some of the protesters lamented the action taken by the state government, describing it as insensitive to the plight of the masses and called for regulations instead of an outright ban.

A member of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Bisi Yusuf, representing Alimosho 1 constituency, accepted a written petition from the protesters.

The lawmaker advised them to be law-abiding and also comply with the ban first before their petition is considered.