Ambode Orders Local Councils to Stop Traffic Duties

By Dipo Olowookere

Traffic units in all the 57 Local Governments and Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) in Lagos State have been disbanded by the state Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode.

Also, the Governor has directed the cancellation of all official number plates currently in use and has further directed re-issuance of new official number plates to all government owned vehicles, while retired staff are to forfeit same henceforth.

Mr Ambode gave the order on Tuesday following complaints from residents alleging gross abuse by council officials in the state.

Speaking with newsmen in Alausa on Tuesday at a press conference, the acting Commissioner for Transportation, Mr Anofiu Elegushi, said in recent times, there had been complaints about the role of Local Governments and Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) officials in traffic enforcement.

Mr Elegunshi admitted that there are traffic units in all the 57 local councils in the state, but emphasised that performing traffic duties was not a responsibility for the third tier of government.

“We have reported instances of illegal arrest, extortion and general impunity on the part of the local government operatives.

“It is then appropriate to disband all the units and outfits parading as local government traffic units.

“This has been communicated to all these agencies.

“For the avoidance of doubt, officials of the ministry will start monitoring and any infraction will be dealt with in full compliance with the law.

“Let me also reiterate that only the Nigerian police, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), the Taskforce on Special Offences and the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) can perform traffic duties,” the Commissioner said.