Obey Traffic Rules, LASTMA Warns, As Agency Set To Return To Lagos Roads After #EndSARS Protest
The General Manager, Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), Mr. Olajide Oduyoye, has said that the attention of LASTMA management has been drawn to a continued fake news purported to have been pronounced by the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, stating that officers of the agency have no right to arrest traffic offenders.
A statement from Olumide Filade, Assistant Director, Public Affairs of the Agency stated that this is about the third time that this type of story is making the rounds on social media by transmuting from the first one and second (created as a flyer) to this third one written like the pronouncement of the Governor.
The General Manager further explained that the primary duties of the agency is traffic control and management that includes the arrest of recalcitrant drivers as stated in the Law setting up the agency. This same law was reviewed by the Lagos State House of Assembly in 2018, principally with that of the Lagos State Vehicle Inspection Service.
He, therefore, enjoined the law abiding citizens of Lagos State and drivers operating within the state, to at all times adhere strictly to the traffic laws of Lagos State in order to avoid paying the consequences of flouting them.
Oduyoye also stated that, “Owing to the recent #EndSARS protest violence, which resulted in the looting, arson and destruction of 12 LASTMA Zonal Offices, physical attacks of LASTMA Officers, the events have left unfortunate physical and psychological scars on our operational personnel.
“All the same we are taking stock, restructuring and re-strategising. In all, the safety of every LASTMA personnel, as with all Lagos residents, is equally paramount.”
The General Manager hereby assures members of the public to take succour in the fact that LASTMA is set to fully return to manage the road traffic especially at different areas become less volatile.
Oduyoye thanked all LASTMA officials from the management to field personnel especially for their cooperation. He asked that all stakeholders should look forward to better days ahead.
