Lagos warns LASTMA, other officials against harassment, extortion
By Benjamin Omoike, Lagos
The Lagos state government has warned officials of the Lagos state Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) and other state officials against harassment and extortion of Lagosians, especially violators of traffic laws, saying it will no longer tolerate indiscipline from any of its official.
The warning followed this week’s arrest of two LASTMA officials for allegedly extorting a woman who drove against traffic. The officials were arrested on the order of the state Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who got wind of the incident.
The incident reportedly occurred on Ikoyi Road, close to Ikoyi Club, Ikoyi.
Addressing newsmen on Friday at the Lagos House, Alausa, Ikeja, the 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 investigations.
“I am sure everybody understands the challenges Lagos is facing in terms of traffic congestion. That is why the administration of Babajide Sanwo-Olu made it a point of duty to address the issue of traffic congestion to make Lagos a mega city it deserves.
“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 citizens. Lagosians should not pay to the account of any government officials. Government has accounts 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.
LASTMA General Manager, Wale Musa, also warned officers against extortion, saying the agency is monitoring their activities, adding that “no LASTMA official should issue tickets. 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.”
