Cross River State government has banned commercial motorcyclists, popularly known as Okada, from operating within Calabar, the state capital.

Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Emmanuel Ogbeche, announced this in a statement, yesterday.

It stated that Governor, Bassey Otu gave the directive after due consultation with security chiefs to ensure the state is safe and secured.

The governor directed that anyone found going against the order would have his motorcycle impounded.
The statement reads in part: “State government has banned activities of commercial motorcyclists within Calabar. Those willing to use their motorcycles to earn a decent living are restricted only to remote areas.

“Anyone caught going against this directive will have the motorcycle impounded, and the offender prosecuted.”
In the same vein, the state government warned those involved in vandalisation of government amenities like streetlights, lampposts and traffic lights to desist or be prepared to face full weight of the law.

Though the operation of motorcyclists in Calabar metropolis is not noticeable in highways since the administration of Donald Duke.
He had, during his second term in office, banned OKoda riders from operating on highways; but his successor, Liyel Imoke, totally banned their activities.

The immediate past administration of Ben Ayade, however, banned Okada riders, but did not enforce it. Commercial motorcycles were still seen operating on highways.