LASTMA to dismiss, demote 11 officers over unethical practices

By Adeola Ogunrinde

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) would be dismissing, demoting and force 11 officers to embark on retirement after they were found culpable of unethical practices. 

WesternPost gathered that these erring officers and one other were made to appear before the State’s Disciplinary Panel to answer some questions bothering on corrupt practices and absenteeism. 

Reliable sources informed that the panel which comprised three Permanent Secretaries discovered that there was no prove showing one of the 12 officers was involved in the alleged corrupt practices. 

They disclosed that the panel exonerated the officer immediately since no evidence to prove he was involved in the alleged corrupt practices. 

It was learnt that the panel had forwarded its recommendations on the erring 11 officers to the State Civil Service Commission for ratification in line with the Public Service Rules.

Confirming the development, the Acting General Manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, in a statement released on Friday by the Director, Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department, LASTMA, Adebayo Taofiq, disclosed that the panel recommended various punishment ranging from dismissal, reduction in rank and Immediate termination of appointment from the State Public Service.

Bakare-Oki said that he was equally part of the disciplinary panel, confirming that only one officer was exornerated inside the report presented to the commission by the panel.

He read ‘Riot Acts’ to all Comptrollers, Commanders and Zebras of the agency, maintaining that stiff and severe punishment would continue to be meted on corrupt officers in his efforts to weed the agency of few bad elements tarnishing its image.

The Acting General Manager, however, warned all officers to always carry out their duties without fear or favour in accordance with the stipulated laws guiding the authority as any operative caught in the process of bringing the agency or the gvernment into disrepute shall equally face the consequence.

While commending Lastma Officials for their dedication, dutifulness, diligence and professionalism, Bakare Oki 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’.