CYRIACUS IZUEKWE
The management of Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) and leadership of the state branches of the various transport unions have resolved to partner in order to sustain the current free flow of traffic being enjoyed by motorists and commuters in the state.
LASTMA and the transport unions have being at loggerhead aftermath of the killing of Suraju Bakare, a LASTMA official by a mob in Apapa area of Lagos while performing his lawful duty.
However, a peace move was agreed on at the stakeholders meeting between the management of LASTMA and executive of the unions in Lagos State at the Oshodi headquarters of the agency.
Speaking at the meeting, the Chief Executive Officer of LASTMA, Rtd. AIG Chris Olakpe said the transport unions and other service providers in the transportation industry have crucial role to play in the current drive to have permanent seamless traffic on the Lagos roads.
Olakpe condemned the gruesome murder of Suraju Bakare at Apapa and warned transport unions executives to ensure that did not happen again.
He advised the transport unions to take the advantage of the agency open door policy to lodge complaints against erring traffic officials, instead of resorting to jungle justice.
The LASTMA boss also warned that the agency would use the instrumentality of law to deal with any motorist that assault any LASTMA official and called on the union executives to always educate their members on traffic laws and roads safety.
He also advised the union executives to beginning to act decisively on disciplining erring members, as many of the drivers have no regards for law and order.
Olakpe also warned the drivers of articulated vehicles and BRT buses to desist from harassing and intimidating other road users.
Also speaking at the same occasion, the General Manager of LASTMA, Mr. Wale Musa attributed the causes of traffic gridlock in Lagos State to drivers’ impatience, insensitivity and impunity on the roads.
He appealed to tanker and truck drivers at Apapa and Mile 2 axis to respect rights of other road users by not parking their vehicles on the main carriageway, and constantly maintain their vehicles to avoid accident and unnecessary breakdown on major roads around the state.
Speaking at the parley, Chief Remi Ogungbemi, chairman of Association of Maritime Truck Owners (AMATO) assured LASTMA management that the era of impunity on the Lagos roads is over and the unions would continue to educate their members to support traffic officials and obey traffic laws.
On his part, chairman of National Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) Alhaji Sikiru Kaka praised the management of LASTMA and the state government for removing the state from the list of cities with historic traffic congestion and pledged the support of the unions to improve the current status.