Ayodele Olalere
The Lagos State Government has warned officials of Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) against extorting the public, especially violators of traffic laws, saying it would no longer tolerate indiscipline from any officials of the agency.
The warning followed this week’s arrest of two officials of the agency for allegedly extorting a woman who drove against traffic.
The officials were arrested on the order of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu who got wind of the incident.
The incident reportedly occurred on Ikoyi Road, close to Ikoyi Club, Ikoyi.
While addressing newsmen, on Friday, the state’s deputy governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, said the two erring officers would be made to face the full wrath of the law if found guilty at the end of investigation.
“I am sure everybody understand challenges Lagos is facing in terms of traffic congestion.
“That is why the administration of Babajide Sanwo-Olu makes it a point of duty to address the issue of traffic congestion to make Lagos a mega city it deserves.
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“Unfortunately, some officials of LASTMA are also doing things outside of the law but as long as we will support our officers to do their job, we will not allow them to harass the people of the state.
“We have heard a report of two officials of LASTMA who harassed a citizen who admitted following one-way.
“The officers extorted the citizen. A law firm has written a petition and the case would be investigated and action taken.
“Every agency should do their jobs and make life easy for the people. No agency should harass the citizen.
“Lagosians should not pay to any account of government officials. Government has account and all agencies have accounts. A lot of people have the governor’s phone numbers to report complaints.
“The essence of this government is not to harass anybody. The two officers will meet the disciplinary board and if found guilty, the law will take its full course.
“As soon as disciplinary action is concluded, the full details of the case will be made public,” the deputy governor said.
General Manager of LASTMA, Mr. Wale Musa, also warned his officers against extortion saying the agency was monitoring their activities.
In the words Musa, “No LASTMA official should issue ticket. We are ready to discipline erring officers.
“If they misbehave, the law will deal with them. The public should report any of our officers through the numbers we have provided.
“We know some of our officers are using their position to misbehave. The way we discipline violators of traffic laws is the way we will deal with our officers too,” he said.