Operatives of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) on Thursday, 30th of November, 2023 arraigned 12 Officers before the Disciplinary Panel for various Offenses bothering on corrupt practices and absenteeism in line with the extant rules as guided by the Lagos State Civil Service Rules and Regulations.
The Acting General Manager of LASTMA Mr. Bakare Oki Olalekan disclosed that the disciplinary panel which was statutorily constituted with three (3) Permanent Secretaries in attendance adjudicated cases of corrupt practices levied against these 12 Officers and forwarded their recommendations to the State Civil Service Commission for ratification in line with the Public Service Rules.
Mr. Bakare Oki 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 (1) Officer was exonerated with the report of the panel.
Mr. Bakare Oki who read ‘Riot Acts’ to all Comptrollers, Commanders, and Zebras of the agency 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.
A statement signed by the Director, Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of LASTMA, Mr. Adebayo Taofiq quoted the acting general manager saying “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”
The LASTMA General Manager warned all officers of the agency to always carry out their duties without fear or favour, in accordance with the stipulated laws guiding the authority, saying 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, Bakare Oki however, warned the motoring public to stop inducing traffic personnel with bribes to avoid being prosecuted, stressing that the law frowned on both the ‘giver and the receiver’.
