The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has taken a firm stand against corruption within its ranks.
Twelve officials have been arraigned for engaging in corrupt practices and absenteeism, as revealed by the agency’s Public Relations Officer, Adebayo Taofiq, in a statement released on Friday.
According to the statement, a disciplinary panel found eleven officers guilty of the allegations brought against them, while one officer was cleared of any wrongdoing.
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The panel, chaired by the agency’s acting General Manager, Bakare Oki, recommended various sanctions, including immediate termination of appointment, rank reduction, and dismissal.
Bakare Oki emphasized the commitment of LASTMA to uphold discipline and integrity within its workforce. He warned of severe punishment for officers who violate the law, underscoring the agency’s determination to maintain order on the roads.
Furthermore, Oki urged the public to refrain from offering bribes to LASTMA officials, highlighting the agency’s zero-tolerance policy towards corruption.
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The statement partly reads,
“Operatives of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority on Thursday, November 30, 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.
“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 leveled against them, only one officer was exonerated with the report of the panel.
“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 with proof of evidence.
“The General Manager hereby warned all officers of the agency to always carry out their duties without fear or favour by 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, Bakare Oki however, warned the motoring public to stop inducing traffic personnel with bribes to avoid being prosecuted as the law frowned on both the ‘giver and the receiver.”