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OKADA: GOVT URGES LAGOSIANS TO EMBRACE ALTERNATIVES

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Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu
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The Lagos State Government has begun the enforcement of the ban on commercial motorcycles, also known as okada, in six Local Government Areas and nine Local Council Development Areas (LG/LCDAs).

Commissioner for Information and Strategy Gbenga Omotoso confirmed the enforcement on a Television Continental (TVC) Programme, “Your View”, reiterating that the ban was taken to ensure security and safety of Lagosians. He urged Lagosians to use alternative means of transportation provided by the government.

Omotoso said: “During the first quarter of this year, the record shows that over 1,712 accidents were recorded, with okada constituting 767 or 45 percent of them. Of all the victims, 54 percent are between 30 and 39 years old; our young people.”

He reiterated that during the meeting with DPOs, Area Commanders and the Commissioner of Police, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu handed down the explicit instruction of ensuring effective enforcement of the ban.

Giving details about plans for an effective clampdown on okada, the Commissioner said: “I want to assure Lagosians that the security agents will do the right thing when enforcing the ban and carry out the exercise in a professional manner because the ban is people-driven. The local governments are involved; community development associations are involved; everyone is involved in taking back our State from the tyranny of okada.”

On alternatives to okada, the Commissioner said the State Government launched over 500 First and Last Mile buses. He said 200 have been rolled out in the last week to serve as an alternative to okada.

Omotoso said: “The State Government is doing a lot in transportation, which is the first pillar of the administration’s T.H.E.M.E.S Agenda. Fifteen jetties are under construction and some of them are at 90 percent completion stage. Some in areas like Apapa, Liverpool, Ijede, Ilashe, Ajido, Ebute-Ero, Mile Two and others are being completed. In the last three years, LAGFERRY has been operating with no single record of accident; so, Lagosians are encouraged to use these alternatives to ensure the safety of all.”

He was sure that by the end of this year, the Red and Blue rail lines will be completed and commercial activities will begin first quarter of next year to complement road and water transportation.

“The Lagos Traffic Law of 2012, reviewed in 2018, says that okada and tricycle must not be found on major highways, major roads and bridges in any part of Lagos; so no one should feign ignorance,” Omotoso said.

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Tax Reform Bills: Senate To Consider Viable Opinions Of Stakeholders

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The chairman, Senate committee on Finance, Senator Sani Musa, says the Senate will consider viable opinions of all stakeholders in the passage of current Tax Reform Bills .

Senator Musa who stated this during an interview with newsmen in Abuja emphasized the need for Nigerians to be patient for a tax regime that would be beneficial to all and sundry.

He explained that the red chamber would evolve a legislation that is workable in line with international best practices.

Senator Musa told newsmen that president TINUBU needs one trillion dollar economy adding that the proposed Tax regime would outlive every individual including the lawmakers.

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Price Hike: FCCPC Summons MultiChoice, Warns Against Exploitation

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FCCPC
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The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has summoned MultiChoice Nigeria to explain its proposed subscription price increase, set to take effect on March 1, 2025.

Exercising its mandate under Sections 32 and 33 of the FCCPA, the FCCPC directed the Chief Executive Officer of MultiChoice Nigeria to attend an investigative hearing at the Commission’s headquarters on Thursday, February 27, 2025.

In a statement, the Director of Corporate Affairs in FCCPC, Mr Ondaje Ijagwu said the action follows MultiChoice’s formal notification of the price adjustment, which raises concerns about recurrent unilateral price hikes, potential market dominance abuse, and perceived anti-competitive practices in the pay-TV industry.

“The FCCPC is deeply concerned that Nigerian consumers continue to face frequent price increases, amid accusations that MultiChoice applies different pricing strategies in other markets, heightening questions about fairness and market abuse and should MultiChoice fail to provide satisfactory explanations or be found in violation of fair market principles, the FCCPC will be left left with no other option than to impose regulatory penalties, sanctions, or other corrective measures to protect Nigerian consumers” He warned

In his words”Furthermore, the FCCPC is engaging the sector regulator and other relevant agencies to ensure fair competition and consumer protection within Nigeria’s broadcasting and digital subscription landscape”.

 

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Senator Natasha Sues Akpabio For Defamation, Asks ₦100bn Damages

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Senator Godswill Akpabio and Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan
Senator Godswill Akpabio and Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan
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Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has filed a lawsuit against Senate President Godswill Akpabio for allegedly defaming her

The suit was filed before the Federal Capital Territory High Court on Tuesday with Akpabio and his senior legislative aide Mfon Patrick listed as second to third defendants.

In the suit, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan through her lawyer, Victor Giwa, referred to Akpabio’s words published by his aide on his Facebook page with the title, “Is local content committee of the senate Natasha’s birthright?” where he stated that the claimant thought being a lawmaker is all about pancaking her face and wearing transparent outfits to the Chambers.

Giwa alleged that the statement on Akpoti-Uduaghan was defamatory, provocative, and disparaging, and lowered her dignity in the eyes of her colleagues and right-thinking members of the public.

“A declaration that the words ‘it is a bottled anger by the Kogi Lawmaker, who knows nothing about legislative rules. She thinks being a lawmaker is all about pancaking her face and wearing transparent outfits to the Chambers’ used and written by the 3rd defendant at the prompting of the 1st and 2nd defendants is defamatory and intended to cause public opprobrium and disaffection towards the claimant by members of the public,” her reliefs partly read.

Akpoti-Uduaghan urged the court to restrain the defendants or associates from publishing defamatory words against her on any platform.

“An order of perpetual injunction restraining the defendants whether acting by themselves or through their agents, privies, assigns, or associates from further publishing or caused to be published the said defamatory words herein stated or any other similar publications about the claimant on the social media platform or in any other manner, which is capable of defaming the claimant,” she stated.

She, however, urged the court to order the defendants to pay her ₦100bn as damages and ₦300m as litigation costs.

“An order for payment of the sum of ₦100,000,000,000 as general damages. An order for payment of the sum of ₦300,000,000.00 only as cost of action,” she said.

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan had recently voiced her concern after her seat was reassigned due to a reshuffle. She resisted the relocation and this led to a clash between her and the senate president.

The Kogi lawmaker has been referred to the Senate Disciplinary Committee in the wake of the seating arrangement dispute.

 

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