Nigeria: Lagos State traffic agency dismisses officer over misconduct
The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), has dismissed an officer of the agency after being found guilty of misconduct by a disciplinary committee.
This was disclosed in a statement signed by the General Manager, Mr. Olajide Oduyoye, on Tuesday August 10, 2021.
According to the statement, the officer was seen in a viral post on Facebook soliciting bribe from a vehicle owner.
Oduyoye stated that the said office faced a disciplinary action in accordance with the extant rules of the Lagos State Civil Service and, subsequently, his appointment was terminated.
He explained that the Personnel Management Board (Disciplinary Committee) set up to probe the allegation of bribery, corruption and a serious act unbecoming of a public officer leveled against him, held a meeting on Friday, 11th June, 2021 and found him culpable of gross misconduct as stipulated in the Public Service Rules.
Oduyoye noted that every organisation has its bad eggs but deemed it unfair for members of the public to categorise all LASTMA staff as corrupt.
He urged members of the public to share their experiences and provide evidence whenever they encounter misdemeanour by the agency’s staff.
The LASTMA Chief Operating Officer implored road users in Lagos to always comply with the state raffic law in order not to run foul of the law, pointing out that violation will attract consequences.
Emphasising the need for compliance, Oduyoye said, “This is necessary in order to promote the ‘Greater Lagos’ vision for the benefit of all and for the realisation of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu’s T.H.E.M.E.S. Development Agenda, particularly in respect of the Traffic Management and Transportation pillar.”
He also revealed that 11 officers of the Agency have so far faced various disciplinary actions from Y2020 till date, stressing that some of the officers had their appointments terminated, some demoted and others reprimanded for various infractions.