Ambode To LASTMA, VIO: Don’t Torture Lagosians

Newly sworn in Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, seem to be aware of the complaints of Lagos residents as regards the activities of agencies under the Lagos State government. 

In an interactive session with officials of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), Vehicle Inspection Officers (VIO) and Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI),  witnessed by Vanguard, Ambode warned them to desist from forcing themselves into vehicles of suspected traffic offenders on the road.

Akinwumi Ambode

According to him, such acts are against his administration’s promise to Lagosians before the gubernatorial elections.

He said: “I want LASTMA, KAI, and VIO to help this government deliver on the promises made to the public, and there are two promises: to make life simpler for every resident of Lagos and make each resident happier than before”.

“I don’t want officers that will torture my citizens. They may be offenders but don’t torture them. Don’t jump into their cars to enforce arrest. This is where you have to be creative and use technology in the implementation of the law. For now, no harassment”, he noted.

Punch reports that the governor advocated for technology to be used to send message of reminders to citizens whose vehicle documents need to be attended to. He said that such technology could be used to track down people who committed traffic offences without the use of force.

He reminded the agencies that they were the new face of Lagos, adding that they would get the commendation for whatever they do right, and be blamed for their mistakes.

Meanwhile, Lagosians have been lamenting the exit of former governor, Babatunde Fashola, who has been praised for his giant strides while presiding over the affairs of the state.