Okada Ban: I Was Misquoted, Says Lagos Lawmaker

Insideafrik
NEWS, NIGERIA
The representative of Ifako-Ijaiye 2 at the Lagos State House of Assembly, Ipoola Omisore, has refuted making any categorical statement to the extent that the state House of Assembly has concluded plans to reduce some of the “banned routes” as stipulated in the Road Traffic Law of the state.
Omisore, who made this observation through a protest letter he delivered to P.M.NEWS on Thursday, said he was quoted out of context as he did not express certainty on the reduction of the routes but only promised to convey the message of his constituents to the House.
The lawmaker confirmed organising the forum for the sole purpose of enlightening his constituents concerning the law and its importance to the state and its residents.
“It is true that I held a public awareness forum on the new Traffic Law of Lagos State on Wednesday 9 January, 2013 to explain to my people the need for the law. At the forum, I never said we would reduce the banned routes.
“I only brought to the forum community leaders, NURTW, okada riders and the Divisional Police Officers in my constituency where I explained the law and the reasons behind the law.
“I also brokered peace between police and the okada riders where all stakeholders spoke frankly and the position of the government was clearly understood by the community which attested to fact that robbery and accidents have reduced since the restrriction of commercial motorcycle riders to 475 roads.”
He listed the two routes which the community asked to be removed from the list of restricted routes as Baale Animashaun and Agbado roads saying he promised to convey their request to the government.
Omisore said the headline of the story which read ‘Lagos Assembly To Reduce Banned Routes,’ had embarrassed the state government and his colleagues at the House adding that the headline did not reflect the true content of the story.