LASTMA personnel
‘Gov. Sanwo-Olu did not ban us from arresting erring motorists’ – LASTMA
Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has debunked reports that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu banned its personnel from arresting motorists who flout traffic laws.
Reacting to online reports (not Oracle Today) which claimed that the State Governor, Sanwo-Olu had banned LASTMA operatives from motorists who allegedly flout the state’s Transport Sector Reform Law, 2018, the agency accused ‘faceless mischief makers’ for being responsible for the ‘fake online news.’
While responding to an online report titled; ‘Henceforth no LASTMA Officials should arrest any motorist, either commercial or private. The duty of LASTMA is to manage traffic and not to arrest,’ the agency clarified that part of its responsibility ‘is to uphold and enforce the traffic laws of the state.’
Director, Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department, LASTMA, Mr. Adebayo Taofiq, LASTMA quoted the General Manager, Mr. Bolaji Oreagba, as having previously debunked the fake online news alleging that its Officials were banned from arresting motorists who flout the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law, 2018.
The agency, therefore, maintained that its officers and men ‘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.’
“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.
“He warned Lagosians, especially motorists, to be wary of online reports aimed at causing chaos and mischief within the society.
“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”, he noted.
“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”.
Oreagba disclosed that all working ethics of the Authority, including all its operations are being regulated by laws.
