Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has reaffirmed the commitment of its personnel to traffic control across the State, saying the temporary withdrawal of officers resulted from the arson, killings and violence that trailed the #EndSARS protests.
The General Manager, Mr. Olajide Oduyoye affirmed this while counting some of the losses the agency suffered.
According to Oduyoye, 12 LASTMA zonal offices were destroyed during the mayhem while some officers were attacked at various locations, an act which disrupted the Agency’s operational efficiency and logistics.
He stated that despite the temporary setback, LASTMA has taken stock, re-strategised and its officers have resumed their duties at intersections and junctions across the metropolis.
While assuring Lagosians of the Agency’s commitment to ensuring free traffic flow on all roads in Lagos State, Oduyoye thanked LASTMA officials for their cooperation, dedication and efforts on effective traffic management across the metropolis.
Speaking on a recent story being circulated on social media, Oduyoye debunked the report which alleged that the State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu directed officers of the Agency not to arrest any motorist who contravenes the Lagos State Traffic Law.
The GM pointed out that the false reports had made rounds on social media on previous occasions.
“The company that generated the initial fake report has apologised, retracted and pulled down the news from its website earlier in the year,” he announced.
LASTMA boss further reiterated that the primary duties of the Agency are traffic control and the arrest of recalcitrant drivers as stated in the Law that established the agency.
He said the Law was later reviewed by the Lagos State House of Assembly in year 2018, with that of the Lagos State Vehicle Inspection Service.
“It is, therefore, logical that the Governor, who is the number one law-abiding citizen and law enforcement officer in the State, would not flout the law through such pronouncement,” he noted.
“I must implore all law-abiding citizens of Lagos State, especially motorists, to adhere strictly to the traffic law of the State in order not to run afoul of the law which has consequences.
“We must all have positive attitudes towards obeying the Laws of the State which were made to ensure orderliness and fast-paced socio-economic improvement of individuals, corporate entities and generality of the people”, he added.
