LASTMA Set To Demote, Dismiss Officers Over Corruption 

Operatives of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) yesterday arraigned 12 Officers before a Disciplinary Panel for various offenses bothering on corrupt practices and absenteeism in line with the extant rules guided by the Lagos State Civil Service Rules and Regulations.
This was contained in a statement by Adebayo Taofiq, Director, Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of LASTMA.
The Acting General Manager of LASTMA, Mr. Bakare Oki Olalekan, disclosed that the disciplinary panel, which was statutorily constituted with three Permanent Secretaries in attendance, adjudicated cases of corrupt practices levied against the 12 Officers and forwarded their recommendations to the State Civil Service Commission for ratification in line with the Public Service Rules.
Olalekan confirmed that the panel recommended various punishments ranging from dismissal, reduction in rank and Immediate termination of appointment from the State Public Service.
The Acting General Manager, who was equally part of the disciplinary panel, confirmed that while 11 Officers were found guilty of corrupt practices levied against them, only one Officer was exornorated with the report of the panel.
Olalekan, who read “Riot Acts” to all Comptrollers, Commanders and Zebras of the Agency, said stiff and severe punishment would continue to be meted on corrupt Officers and men in his efforts to weed the agency of few bad elements tarnishing its image.
“We hereby call on residents, especially motoring public to support the Agency in the on-going restructuring by promptly reporting any errant Officers via any of the Agency’s complaints hotlines – 08100565860, 08129928503, 08129928515, 08129928597 – with proof of evidence.
“The General Manager hereby warn all Officers of the Agency to always carry out their duties without fear or favour in accordance with the stipulated laws guiding the authority as any operative caught in the process of bringing the Agency or the Government into disrepute shall equally face the consequence”.
While commending LASTMA Officials for their dedication, dutifulness, diligence and professionalism, Olalekan, however, warned the motoring public to stop inducing traffic personnel with bribes in order to avoid being prosecuted, saying that the law frowns at both the “giver” and the “receiver”.

By: Nkpemenyie Mcdominic, Lagos