The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has dismissed the ongoing circulation of “recurring fake news” attributed to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu. The alleged statement claimed that no LASTMA official should arrest motorists, whether they are private or commercial vehicles, as their primary duty is to manage traffic and not to make arrests.
Adebayo Taofiq, the Public Affairs Director, reiterated the position of LASTMA’s General Manager, Bolaji Oreagba, who refuted the claim that the agency was prohibited from arresting traffic offenders in violation of the Transport Sector Reform Law of 2018.
Oreagba denounced the activities of anonymous individuals spreading misinformation online since February 2020, despite previous clarifications. He cautioned Lagosians, particularly motorists, to exercise caution when encountering online reports that aim to create confusion and disrupt society.
Expressing his concern, Oreagba questioned the motives of those who consistently mislead others into violating traffic laws that were amended by the State House of Assembly in 2018.
The General Manager assured the public that LASTMA has the responsibility to uphold and enforce traffic laws at all times. Whenever these laws are violated, LASTMA will not hesitate to take appropriate action in order to improve the transportation system, ensure smooth traffic flow, and reduce accidents.
Oreagba urged the public to disregard any fake news circulated by unidentified individuals that encourages the violation of traffic laws. Furthermore, he announced that LASTMA is equipping its traffic management personnel with new hand-held Traffic Management Solution (TMS) devices that can capture real-time traffic violations.