CYRIACUS IZUEKWE
The Lagos State Government may have began psychiatric test for commercial motorcycle operators, a.k.a Okada riders, plying the Lagos-Badagry International Highway and other highways in the State for mental evaluations.
P.M.EXPRESS reports that it was disclosed by the Lagos State Task Force on Environmental and other special offences in the State.
The Chairman of the agency, CSP Shola Jejeloye, made the recommendation following the seizure of about 497 commercial motorcycles plying highways, bridges and other restricted routes.
“Any commercial bike operators plying the state highways will henceforth be made to undergo compulsory psychiatric examination” CSP Jejeloye said.
However, he did not disclose if the agency has made any arrangement for Medical Doctors, who will examine many of operators who may likely contravene the directives.
The recent operations led by the Chairman of the Agency, CSP Shola Jejeloye, also covered areas such as Doyin Bus Stop, Alakija, Iyana Iba, Igbo-Elerin, FESTAC Link Bridge and Igando in order to stamp the commitment of the Lagos State Task Force to enforce traffic regulations and maintain order and sanity on Lagos Roads as part of efforts to enhance safety for all road users and eliminate the risks associated with okada operations on restricted routes and Lagos highways.
The Chairman described the activities of okada operators especially along Lagos-Badagry Expressway as reckless due to the non challant attitude of the operators on that corridor.
“Okada operators here are the cause of major accidents and a big threat to the security architecture of the state along this route, especially the ones you see facing oncoming vehicles directly on one-way. It is complete madness and I recommend anyone caught in the act be subjected to psychiatric evaluation” Jejeloye stated.
Utilizing tactical superiority, the Task Force achieved a remarkable record of seizures during the operation, signaling a clear message to okada violators that enforcement measures will be rigorously implemented in all nook and crannies of the State.
The Chairman reiterated the importance of compliance with traffic regulations and warned erring riders to desist from their operations along restricted routes immediately. Failure to adhere to these regulations will result in the impoundment of motorcycles and possible jail term, he emphasized.
Going forward, the Lagos State Task Force affirmed its commitment to making these operations a continuous endeavor until all restricted routes and Highways are free from the menace of okada.
The Lagos State Task Force urged the cooperation of all stakeholders, including riders and members of the public, in achieving this goal and ensuring the safety and orderliness of all.
He assured Lagosians that the tactical superiority of the agency would suppress any form of maneuvering ability of okada riders.
He reminded them that both rider and passenger are culpable in the event of an arrest while plying on restricted routes. But he did not state if the passengers who engage those Okada riders will be subjected to the same psychiatric tests aswell.