THE Lagos State Government has stated that 14 personnel of the Lagos State Traffic Management Agency (LASTMA) would be charged with extortion and high-handedness in accordance with the state’s existing rules and regulations.
This was revealed today in a statement signed by Adebayo Taofiq, Director, Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department, on behalf of the General Manager Bolaji Oreagba of the traffic regulation authority over the weekend.
According to Oreagba, the affected individuals include 11 senior and three junior LASTMA officers who were found extorting money (bribes) from motorists in various locations around the state.
He also stated that their cases had been referred to the P.M.B., where they would face disciplinary charges.
Stressing the need for transparency in the Agency, Oreagba emphasized that he would continue to mete out harsh punishment on officers in collaboration with the state government in order to rid the agency of the few bad apples ruining its image.
“We thereby called on residents especially the motoring public to support us by promptly reporting any errant Officers at the nearest LASTMA offices or use any of the Agency’s complaints hotlines (08100565860, 08129928503, 08129928515 & 08129928597) with proof of evidence,” he said.
The General Manager advised all Agency officers to always carry out their duties without fear or favor in accordance with the stipulated laws guiding the authority, as any operative caught in the process of bringing the Agency or the Government into disrepute would face the same consequences.
While commending LASTMA workers for their dedication, dutifulness, attentiveness, and professionalism, Oreagba cautioned motorists to quit inducing traffic officials with bribes in order to avoid prosecution, as law 8 frowned on both the ‘giver and the receiver’.
