A commercial motorcyclist otherwise known as Okada rider in Ilorin, Kwara State, Mallam Mohammed Mohammed, has vowed to relocate to his village in Nassarawa State if the government policy to ban activities of the motorcyclists eventually takes off.

The government recently extended its ban on the activities of Okada riders ib business routes of the metropolis.

Consequent upon the development, a bill seeking seal of the ban is currently awaiting passage in the State House of Assembly.

Mohammed, National Certificate in Education (NCE) holder expressed his mind in a chat with National Pilot in Ilorin.

"If Okada is banned, I will go back to my village in Nassarawa state to engage in farming," he said.

Mohammed, a father of two, rides Okada as a means of livelihood and sustenance of the family.

He argued that the development would add to the level of robbery activities in the state, adding that the aged who earn their livings in the activities would be forced to starve to death.

Another operator, Mr. Rasheed Ibrahim, said the development would force him back to his work as roadside mechanic, which he had abandoned due to low patronage.

He stated that the tricycle being used as an alternative was too expensive, as according to him, "those who could not afford find robbery as an alternative."

For Aayodeji Tanimola, the government decision was in the right direction, adding that Okada riders are being explored to perpetrate evil.

According to him, many robbers carry out their evil acts in the disguise of Okada riders.

Culled from National Pilot Newspaper

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