From Victor Akinkuolie, Ado-Ekiti
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Ekiti State Government has said it has no intention to proscribe commercial motorcycle operations popularly known as Okada riders in the state.

The Deputy Governor, Otunba Bisi Egbeyemi revealed that the intention of the state government was to promote peace, unity and robust relationship among transport associations operating in the state.

Egbeyemi, who disclosed this while receiving in audience the state executive of Okada Riders Association in his office, Ado Ekiti, said government will create any enabling environment for their business to flourish, so that they can contribute more to the development of the state.

A statement issued on  Thursday, and signed by the Special Assistant (Media) to the Deputy Governor, Mr. Odunayo Ogunmola, quotes Egbeyemi as warning Okada riders against being used to perpetrate crime in the state.

According to him, government would not tolerate any act of indiscipline or lawlessness among transport associations.

The deputy governor observed that some of their members (Okada riders), have been alleged of engaging in unholy acts like bag snatching, pick pocketing, wailing of banks customers after withdrawing money from the bank and other nefarious acts.

Egbeyemi encouraged the leadership of the association to device measures of addressing the problem in the interest of the peace.

He said,  “We want peace to reign in your association. We don’t want factions among you. We want you to be under one umbrella, to allow the government stand by you.