Thursday, June 25, 2009              

Illegal LASTMA officials in Lagos

SIR: Permit me to register my views concerning the sudden rise of illegal Lagos State Traffic Management Agency (LASTMA) officials in Lagos. The purpose of setting up LASTMA by the former administration in Lagos State has been betrayed by some of the fake officials who prefer to collect money illegally, from bus drivers popularly called "danfo drivers." Most of these LASTMA officials are arrogant to the core.

Some of the LASTMA officials have derailed from their official assignments given to them by the LASTMA Authorities. Recently at National Stadium in Surulere, three LASTMA officials, precisely two young men and a woman whose duty is to control the traffic jam engaged in another digital system of collecting bribe from a bus driver. According to the LASTMA officials, they said the bus driver committed an offence which could not be explained to the passengers vividly. The passengers were trapped for good two hours. After much intensive pleading, the LASTMA officials demanded for N2000. In the long run, the bus driver was freed after the payment. I was one of the passengers in the bus.

Lagosians thought the purpose of LASTMA is to help the Nigeria police in Lagos in controlling the large traffic jams and checkmate drivers who refuse to obey to rules and regulations on Lagos State roads. Most of these LASTMA officials are into massive bribery and corruption. Commercial drivers are complaining bitterly over the callous and nefarious attitudes of these so-called LASTMA officials.

I hereby appeal to LASTMA authorities, Lagos State Commissioner for Transport and the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola to caution the LASTMA officials and not emulate their sister uniform authorities like KAI, Police and Agberos in committing atrocities in Lagos State. We want the megacity to be a conducive environment in all ramifications.

Godday Odidi
Lagos.