The protesters paralysed activities at Alausa Secretariat, Ikeja, claiming that the policemen, while enforcing the Road Traffic Law 2012, would storm workshops where motorcycles were being repaired and impound any ‘okada’ they see.
The Road Traffic Law 2012 was enacted by the state government to return sanity to roads in the state.
The motorcycle (okada) mechanics stormed the Governor’s Office at about 4:00 pm, chanting several anti-government songs and displaying placards with inscriptions such as "Enough of police harassment," "Police leave us alone," "We are doing our legitimate business," "Repairing okada is our legitimate source of income," among others.
A letter to state governor Babatunde Fashola, signed by the National President of FEDMGMAN, Ganiyu Jimoh, says: "Following the ban on okada in Lagos, officers of the Nigerian Police, Lagos State Command have been arresting my members and impound any okada found within their workshops.
"We understand that okada riders are banned from plying some specific roads in Lagos but certain roads were exempted by the law. Okadas plying these exempted roads go through wear and tear, hence they need repair. When these Okadas are brought to our workshops for repair, policemen come to the workshop and impound any okada found within the premises."
According to secretary of FEDMGMAN, Jimoh Sulaymon, they embarked on the protest to expose the illicit act of the policemen.
The solicitor to FEDMGMAN, Mr. Segun Ayodele, lamented that several motorcycles had been impounded by policemen in workshops under the pretense that they were enforcing the road traffic law 2012.
Superintendent Wale Ajao addressed the protesters saying that they should come back in another fortnight to meet with the governor.
