Business Post Contributor
By Bliss Okperan
Twelve officials of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) have faced a disciplinary panel constituted to look into the allegations of unethical misconduct against them.
The Acting General Manager of LASTMA Mr Olalekan Bakare Oki, confirmed on Thursday that the affected personnel of the agency could be dismissed or demoted if found guilty.
He disclosed that the disciplinary panel was statutorily constituted with three Permanent Secretaries as guided by the Lagos State Civil Service Rules and Regulations.
Mr Oki said one of the 12 persons was exonerated, while the others have been recommended for dismissal and reduction in rank.
However, he noted that this action would be taken by the Lagos State Civil Service Commission in line with the Public Service Rules.
The acting general manager read ‘Riot Acts’ to all Comptrollers, Commanders and Zebras of the agency and maintained that stiff and severe punishment would continue to be meted out to corrupt officers and men in his efforts to weed the agency of few bad elements tarnishing its image.
Meanwhile, he commended LASTMA officials for their dedication, dutifulness, diligence and professionalism, adding that motorists should stop inducing traffic personnel with bribes in order to avoid being prosecuted as the law frowned on both the “giver and the receiver.”
“We hereby call on residents especially, the motoring public to support the Agency in the ongoing restructuring by promptly reporting any errant Officers via any of the Agency’s complaints hotlines (08100565860, 08129928503, 08129928515 & 08129928597) with proof of evidence,” he said.
Mr Oki warned all officers of the agency to always carry out their duties without fear or favour in accordance with the stipulated laws that guide the authority as any operative caught in the process of bringing the agency or the government into disrepute shall equally face the consequence.
Recall that a few days ago, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu removed Mr Bolaji Oreagba as the agency’s head after several reports of unethical behaviours by his men. He replaced him with Mr Oki in an acting capacity.
