By Olasunkanmi Akoni
Commercial motorcyclists, popularly called "Okada" riders say the Lagos new Road Traffic Law is "ambiguous' just as they called on the state government to give six months grace of intensive sensitization for road users before the enforcement commences.
The enforcement of the bill, recently signed into law by Governor Babatunde Fashola, has been put on hold pending when it would be gazzeted.
The Okada riders, under the umbrella of Motorcycles Association of Lagos State (MOALS), Isheri-Igando branch made the submission at a sensitization event on new road traffic law and presentation of reflective jackets to them.
The jackets were donated by Isheri Platinum, Lions Club International, District 404,B region in collaboration with Federal Road Safety Commission, FRSC, Lagos State Command.
The event was led by President of the club, Lion Ladi Fagbenja, along with Deputy Route Commander, representing FRSC, Ikotun area, Mr. Abayomi Dada and chairman, Okada riders, Igando division, Comrade Lawrence Peter.
One of the Okada riders, Mr. Kehinde Ogunwale, a graduate, during an interactive session at the event, held at Igando-New Town Estate Park, chided the state government for not embarking on public enlightenment on the new law, particularly to motorists and Okada riders.
He noted that many of the Okada riders are not well educated but there are graduates and master degree holders on the job, stressing that there is the need by government at both state and local levels to embark on massive enlightenment campaign that will further break down the law for easy comprehension by the masses.
Kehinde was of the opinion that the six months grace, if granted, would allow a lot of people to understand the law better as well as enhance voluntary compliance by road users.
Fagbenja later presented 50 reflective jackets to the branch chairman of MOALS, Igando New Town for distribution to members to enhance safety on the road.
Vanguard Nigeria