There has been confusion in Calabar, the capital city of Cross River State, following the ban on the use of motorcycles within the city the state by Governor of the state, Liyel Imoke.
Many states of the federation had earlier banned the motorcycles, now used in most parts of the country as alternative means of transportation. But the executive order from the governor takes effect from 25th October 2013 and the ban affects both calabar and all its adjoining areas.
According to a statement by the state’s Security Adviser to the Governor, Rekpene Bassey, any motorcycle rider who violates the order should be prepared to face severe sanction.
The few-paragraphed statement reads, in part: “Governor Imoke has issued an executive order of total ban on the use of motorcycles in Calabar and its environs. This order comes into full force from October 25.
“Consequently, any violation of this order will attract appropriate and severe penalties, including the impounding of the motorcycles irrespective of whether or not the rider is wearing a crash helmet.
“This action is in the interest of the safety, security and welfare of all persons in the state capital, particularly following the persistent abuse of exemption accorded motorcycle owners and users by the governor.”
However, the statement said the state government was making arrangements to grant special passes and identification to persons performing special duties requiring the use of motorcycles. These set includes courier companies and their likes.
It would be recalled that the Lagos State government banned the use of motorcycles in over 450 roads of the state; while other states, such as Delta, Akwa-Ibom, Edo and Kano have taken similar steps, either fully or partially.
