The General Manager of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authourity (LASTMA), Mr. Bolaji Oreagba has debunked reports that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu had said no LASTMA Officials should arrest any motorist, either commercial or private.
The authority in a statement said, it is the duty of LASTMA is to manage traffic and not to arrest anyone. I have heard a lot of complaint, any officials that violate the rule of his work, will be severely dealt with.”
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Oreagba stated that this is about the fourth time/year that this story is making the rounds on social media by transmuting from the first one and second (created as a flyer) to this fourth one written like the pronouncement of the Governor, he recollected that the company that generated the first fake news have since apologized, retracted and pulled down the news from the company’s site earlier this year.
The General Manager further explained that the primary duties of the agency is traffic control and management which includes the arrest of traffic law violators/recalcitrant drivers as stated in the Law setting up the agency, this same law was reviewed by the Lagos State House of Assembly in the Year 2018 principally with that of the Lagos State Vehicle Inspection Service knownastheLagosStateTransport Sector Reform Law of 2018, therefore the Governor who is our number one law abiding citizen and law enforcement officer in the State would not flout the law let alone provide the opportunity for others to do so.
He therefore enjoined the law abiding citizens of Lagos State and drivers that come into the State, to at all times adhere strictly to the traffic laws of the State in order to avoid facing the consequences of flouting it, he also further advised that “we must all have a change towards positive attitude of obeying the Laws of the State which were made for the benefit of all, for orderliness and for fast paced socio-economic improvement of individuals, corporate entities and generality of the people”.
Oreagba also stated that we are taking stock, restructuring and re-strategising of our beats of strategic intersections/ junctions to eliminate frictions, reduce delays and ensure better flow of traffic.
We are aware of the traffic congestion suffered by commuters as a result of many damaged traffic light junctions, illegal vehicular movements and the general lack of respect for driving ethics by some. In all, the safety of every LASTMA personnel as with all Lagos resident is equally paramount.”
The General Manager hereby assures members of the public who may have been going through harrowing traffic experience in the hands of lawless motorists on Lagos roads to take succor in the fact that LASTMA has fully returned to manage the road traffic.
Oreagba thanked all LASTMA officials from the management to field personnel especially, for their cooperation with him at all times, their efforts and dedication in ensuring traffic flows and thereby ensuring reduction in journey time spent by the citizenry.
He asked that all stakeholders should look forward to better days ahead.