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LASTMA DENIES REPORT ON LACK OF POWER TO MAKE ARREST
…Says Agency Empowered By Law To Apprehend Vehicles, Recalcitrant Motorists
The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) on Thursday reiterated its powers under the relevant provisions of the Lagos State Traffic Laws of 2012 (as amended) to impound any vehicle and apprehend recalcitrant motorists who contravene any section of the law.
Speaking while receiving the Executive and Members of Humanitarian Voluntary Association for Community Development who came to express solidarity and sympathy over the death of 18 traffic officials of the agency that died on line of duty in 2018, LASTMA’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr Chris Olakpe said contrary to misinformation in some sections of the media, the agency was fully empowered by law to make arrest where and when necessary.
Olakpe, who is a retired Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG), said the traffic laws of the State equipped officials of the Agency with powers to arrest where appropriate and allow the alleged offender to pay the fine stipulated for the offence under the law.
In addition, the LASTMA boss said the law allows for penalties for neglect of traffic directions, while disobeying traffic control personnel also attracts fines and impounding of vehicles.
According to him, “One thing the people must know is that the purpose of laws in any state is to regulate human conduct and punish violators, to ensure safety and sanity on the roads and at the same time regulate the function and authority of traffic personnel.”
He said from the findings of the Agency, many of the gridlocks are due to the unusual driving behaviour of some motorists, saying it was important for the public to always cooperate with traffic officers while on the road.
He added that instead of taking laws into their hands, motorists should feel free to take advantage of the open-door policy of LASTMA by reporting any erring officer.
“Just from January 2019 till date, over 30 traffic officials have been brutalized by ill-tempered motorists and as an Agency, we owe it to our officials and their families the responsibility of ensuring their security and safety while performing their duties,” Olakpe said.
He assured that the Agency was reaching out to sister agencies and spirited members of the public in order to deepen collaboration and cooperation with a view to protecting State traffic officials in their domain.
He warned that any motorist that proved to be an agent provocateur irrespective of position on the road will have his vehicle impounded and taken to LASTMA Yard to face appropriate sanctions in accordance with the relevant section of the law.
He further disclosed that the State Traffic officials will soon commence another round of training on civility, politeness and protocol of arrest that would lay emphasis on respect for members of the public, just as he assured that adequate traffic measures have been firmed up to achieve seamless traffic during the Easter period and beyond.
Responding on behalf of the organisation, it’s President, Bankole Odunuga acknowledged the sacrifice and courage being displayed by the traffic officials in spite of intimidation by motorists, disobedience of traffic laws, assaults, injuries and deaths suffered in the line of duty.
Odunuga declared the readiness of his organisation to partner LASTMA in the area of public campaign and enlightenment in order to promote good road culture for sanity to reign on Lagos roads.
It will be recalled that the Agency has stepped up its activities, public enlightenment campaigns and regular meetings with its stakeholders with a view to finding enduring solution to the perennial traffic gridlock in the strategic areas of the State including Apapa, Ikeja Along, Ikorodu Roundabout, Ajah, Mile 12, Iyana Ipaja, among others.
PRESIDENT TINUBU CONGRATULATES JIM OVIA ON ADMISSION TO THE FREEDOM OF THE CITY OF LONDON
President Bola Tinubu has congratulated the Founder and Chairman of Zenith Bank Plc, Jim Ovia, CFR, on his admission to the prestigious Freedom of the City of London.
Admission to the Freedom of the City of London is an honour bestowed on individuals either for their service to the city or for their achievements.
In a press statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu described the honour as a fitting recognition of Mr. Ovia’s exceptional contributions to business, innovation, and technology, as well as for his role in shaping Nigeria’s financial landscape and strengthening economic ties between Africa and the rest of the world.
“This honour is a testament to your unwavering commitment to excellence, your pioneering role in the growth of the financial services sector in Nigeria, and your visionary leadership that continues to inspire generations. As an accomplished entrepreneur and advocate of innovation-driven development, your recognition in the City of London affirms the global relevance of Nigerian excellence and enterprise,” the President stated.
President Tinubu commended Mr. Ovia for being a distinguished ambassador of the nation’s private sector and wished him continued success in his endeavours.
It was a salient and momentous occasion as one of God’s generals,the president of PMF, Pentecostal Ministers Forum of Nigeria and the founder of Kings In Christ Power Ministries Int.Bishop Chidi Anthony celebrated his birthday yesterday.
The event which was held at white sand,Isherin Osun, Lagos was anchored by Nollywood actor Kingsley Ogbonna aka, Dauda was attended by numerous prominent personalities :DCP Oliver Ezirim,DCP Forensic, Alagbon,CSP Charles,STS Commander Idimu,CSP Agatha Eze ,Dpo ,Idimu, Bishop Tony Anthony Aniekwu, Bishop Kennedy Ogu,HRH EZE C. C Nwokdi Eze Ndi Igbo,ijegun and Ijedodo, bishop Anene Nwachuku,Rhema Deliverance ministry,Hon.Eugene Chinedu Ajuonuma
The event was epochal as guests were given wonderful and awesome treat;the celebrant being a religious leader,the president of Pentecostal Ministers Forum advised the Nigerian government on how to solve the problems confronting the nation “I want the government to create employment opportunities and empowerment programmes in order to engage our youths, nobody will be happy to graduate for years without a Job and no means of livelihood,that is why crime is on the increase almost every young person you see today is into one crime or the other in the quest for survival,if something can be done urgently by the government,will help curtail the insecurity in the country and create a good environment for us to dwell ”
Bishop Chidi Anthony who happens to be a philanthropist also used the avenue to inform Lagosians about his palliative and empowerment programme that will be coming up on the 16th of May “Christianity goes beyond preaching the bible,it also talks about love and care to the people,I want to use this medium to invite the people of Lagos to my palliative and empowerment programme that will be coming up on the 16th of May, during my annual programme”GREATER THAN THE POOL OF BETHSAIDA” i will be giving out food stuffs to Lagosians and there will also be financial empowerments for the indigents and the vulnerables, anywhere you are in the city of Lagos, don’t forget to be at 17, Jubilee close,Taiwo bus stop,Ago palace way, it’s my way of supporting and alleviating the suffering in the nation “.
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