Anambra’s ban on ‘keke, okada,’ shuttle buses comes into full force

From Chuks Moses, Awka

The ban on the use of shuttle buses, motorcycles (popularly called Okada), tricycles (known in local parlance as Keke) for commercial transportation across Anambra state has come into full force.

The Secretary to the State Government, SSG, Prof Solo Chukwulobelu, at the weekend announced that, “in view of the need to improve security in the State and address observed incidents of crimes using Tricycles, motorcycles and shuttle buses, the State Government after due consideration, wishes to direct as follows:

“The earlier ban on the use of motorcycles in greater Onitsha and Awka areas during the day and night, remains in full force. Any motorcycle found within these areas will be impounded and forfeited;

“The use of motorcycles, tricycles and shuttle buses across the State is now banned between the hours of 7pm and 6am daily with effect from Saturday 29th May 2021 and for 1 month in the first instance;

“Shuttle buses are henceforth banned from using tinted glasses or curtains while plying on Anambra roads. All other vehicles either with factory fitted tinted glasses or plain glasses must wind down while approaching any security check point to avoid embarrassment;

“Henceforth, any community where Keke is used to rob or commit any crime, the use of Keke will be banned totally in that area and the union executive (of the drivers’ union sanctioned. Same measures will be applied in the case of shuttle buses and motorcycles.”

With the supervision of its compliance placed squarely on the shoulders of community leaders in view of the absence of policemen, the government statement noted, the government directed full mobilisation of community youths and stakeholders across the State to take ownership of security in their immediate environments and assist the Police and other law enforcement agents to enforce these directives and quickly restore law and order in our State.