By Kamil Opeyemi
The Lagos State Traffic Management Agency has refuted the claim that the state governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, banned officials of the agency from arresting defiant motorists.
The agency made the clarification in a statement signed by General Manager, Bolaji Oreagba, through the Director, Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department, Adebayo Taofiq, on Friday.
The agency debunked the fake online news alleging that LASTMA officials were banned from arresting motorists who flout the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law, 2018.
While describing the report as fake news and the handiwork of faceless mischief makers, Oreagba added that the agency was empowered by law to arrest traffic violators in the state.
He said the claim by the mischief makers had been repeatedly circulated online since February 2020, despite being severally refuted by the management of LASTMA
He, however, warned residents, especially motorists, to be wary of the fake online reports aimed at causing chaos and mischief within the society.
“The attention of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has been drawn to the recurring fake news circulating on social media, purported to have been said by the Governor of Lagos State Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu that, henceforth, no LASTMA Officials should arrest any motorist, either commercial or private,” the statement read
“The duty of LASTMA is to manage traffic and not to arrest. The General Manager of the agency, Bolaji Oreagba, had previously debunked the fake online news alleging that LASTMA officials were banned from arresting motorists who flout the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law, 2018
“Mr Oreagba explained that the false report, which is the handiwork of faceless mischief makers, has been repeatedly circulated online since February 2020, despite being severally refuted by management of LASTMA
“I wonder why some individuals choose to always mislead others to contravene the traffic law of the State as amended by the State House of Assembly in 2018.
“Part of the Agency’s responsibility is to uphold and enforce the traffic laws of the State, maintaining that the officers and men of LASTMA will not hesitate to enforce those laws whenever violated to transform the State’s transportation system towards ensuring the free flow of traffic and reducing road accidents.
“The motoring public is advised to ignore and disregard all fake news circulated by faceless individuals and designed to lead them into breaking the traffic law of the state.”
Quoting Oregba further, the statement maintained that all working ethics of the authority, including all its operations are being regulated by laws.
Adebayo further stressed said the GM confirmed that the agency was currently operating with modern technological innovations in addressing traffic challenges by equipping traffic management personnel with new hand-held traffic management solution devices that capture real-time traffic violations on the road, in addition to a signalised intersection and junction improvement.
He urged motorists in the state to seek more clarifications on the activities of the agency.