The Lagos State Government has said that disciplinary actions will be taken against two officers of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), who allegedly received gratification from a traffic offender.
This was disclosed by the state Deputy Governor, Obafemi Hamzat, during a fact-finding engagement with the two officers, who admitted to having collected gratification from the offender, but claimed the money was to show appreciation.
Hamzat condemned the act, noting that LASTMA officers did not have a brief to receive gratification from members of the public for carrying out their statutory duty.
“These two officials allegedly extorted money from an offender whose lawyer sent a petition to us. We have listened to their stories, but we are not convinced by their defence.
“For further action, the two officers have been referred to LASTMA for further investigation and possible disciplinary actions. The law must take its course. This effort is to inform members of the public that LASTMA is created to make life easy for all of us.”
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He added that no agency of Government is allowed to harass residents, and the two officers will be used to pass a message to other officials.
“In carrying out their statutory duties, no agency of government is allowed to harass citizens. We advise residents not to pay penalty into personal bank accounts of government officials. LASTMA and other agencies have their direct lines to lodge complaints.
“This administration will ensure people live peacefully in Lagos. We are not out to harass anybody. These two LASTMA officers will receive disciplinary actions if found guilty. They will be given a fair hearing to prove their case, but if found guilty; the law would take its course.”
Meanwhile, General Manager, LASTMA, Mr Wale Musa, who was at the meeting, also warned officers against extortion, saying the agency had stepped up its monitoring activities to eliminate extortion.
He said: “No LASTMA officer has right to issue penalty ticket. We are ready to discipline erring officers. If they misbehave, the law will deal with them. The public should report any officer through designated numbers published on our website. We don’t condone indiscipline. The way we penalise violators of traffic laws is the way we will deal with our officers too.”
