LASTMA sanctions 11 officers over ‘corruption, absenteeism’

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) says it has sanctioned 11 officers for corrupt practices and absenteeism.

The agency said the affected officers were found guilty by a three-member disciplinary panel.

In a statement on Friday, Adebayo Taofiq, LASTMA spokesperson, said only one of the 12 officers arraigned before the disciplinary panel was exonerated.

The agency said the panel recommended punishment ranging from dismissal, reduction in rank and immediate termination of appointments.

Bakare Olalekan, the acting general manager of LASTMA, said the recommendations of the panel have been forwarded to the state civil service commission.

“We hereby call on residents especially 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 statement reads.

“The general manager hereby 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.

“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 in order to avoid been prosecuted as the law frowned on both the ‘giver and the receiver’.”