Reports flying around social media that LASTMA officials don’t have right to apprehend traffic offenders and that Lagos State Government banned than has been debunked by Lagos Government.
Motorist are advised to ignore the “fake news”, Lagos State Government has stated it that LASTMA will continue to discharge its duty to ensure that there is free flow of traffic and continue to enforce the law against all violators of road traffic regulations in its State.
According to Within Nigeria, Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso stated this in a statement signed late Friday.
Lagos state Government said this fake news was designed to pitch motorists against LASTMA officials and had been debunked several times.
The state government said it was not contemplating the withdrawal of the power to enforce traffic law against erring motorists from LASTMA.
The statement read, “The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) will continue to discharge its duty to ensure the free flow of traffic and enforcing the laws against violators of road traffic regulations.”
“The motoring public is, therefore, advised to ignore the fake news trending on some social media platforms that the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu has warned LASTMA officials not to arrest any motorist.
“The statement purported to have emanated from Mr. Governor reads: ‘Henceforth, no LASTMA Official should arrest any motorist, either commercial or private. The duty of LASTMA is to manage traffic and not to arrest anyone.
I have heard a lot of complaints, any official that violates the rule will be severely dealt with,’ which is untrue and a mere fabrication.
“This fake news which has been debunked severally before it resurfaced on social media platforms, was ostensibly designed to pitch the public, especially motorists, against officials of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the State Government is not contemplating the withdrawal of the power to enforce traffic law against erring motorists, as it believed that public education and enlightenment should be complemented by the enforcement of rules and regulations to ensure sanity on our roads.”
