Lagos State Govt Denies Preventing LASTMA From Arresting Drivers.

The Lagos state government have denied rumours it has barred officials of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) from detaining erring drivers in the state.

A few days ago, reports that the state had prohibited traffic cops from detaining motorists who broke traffic regulations went viral.

The state’s commissioner for information and strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, issued a statement claiming that the accusations are inaccurate and that LASTMA officers would continue to carry out their duties of guaranteeing free flow of traffic and enforcing the law against those who violate traffic laws.

”The motoring public is, therefore, advised to ignore the fake news trending on some social media platforms that the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu has warned LASTMA officials not to arrest any motorist.’

The statement purported to have emanated from Mr. Governor reads: “Henceforth, no LASTMA Official should arrest any motorist, either commercial or private. The duty of LASTMA is to manage traffic and not to arrest anyone. I have heard a lot of complaints, any official that violates the rule will be severely dealt with”, which is untrue and a mere fabrication.

This fake news which has been debunked severally before it resurfaced on social media platforms, was ostensibly designed to pitch the public, especially motorists, against officials of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority.

For the avoidance of doubt, the State Government is not contemplating the withdrawal of the power to enforce traffic law against erring motorists, as it believed that public education and enlightenment should be complemented by the enforcement of rules and regulations to ensure sanity on our roads.” the statement read in part