Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat on Friday paraded two officials of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) accused of receiving gratification from a traffic offender.
The officials whose names were not revealed were summoned to the governor’s office following a petition from a lawyer to the offender.
They allegedly received an undisclosed amount of cash into their personal bank accounts as bribe to free the offender, who claimed to be driving on a one-way lane unknowingly.
During a fact-finding engagement with Dr Hamzat, the two officials reportedly admitted that they collected gratification from the offender, but claimed the money was given to show appreciation.
Condemning the act, Hamzat noted that LASTMA officials did not have a brief to receive gratification from members of the public for carrying out their statutory duty.
The deputy governor disclosed that disciplinary actions would be taken against the erring officers immediately, adding that the punitive measures would serve as deterrent to other officers with similar motive to extort money from motorists.
“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.
“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 fair hearing to prove their case, but if found guilty, the law would take its course,” Hamzat said.
Meanwhile, the state government has urged members of the public to report badly behaved LASTMA officials to the appropriate authority.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who gave the directive on Friday, noted that government was currently investigating various complaints levelled against MEN of the traffic agency.
