The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has sacked 11 of its personnel due to allegations of extortion and bribery.
Details about their identities and ranks were not revealed.
The dismissals came after a disciplinary panel session in which 12 LASTMA personnel were investigated for different violations, such as corruption and absence. One official was found not guilty and was exonerated.
Adebayo Taofiq, LASTMA’s Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment, confirmed the dismissals.
Bakare Oki Olalekan, Acting General Manager of LASTMA, and three permanent secretaries were on the panel.
In accordance with the Public Service Rules, the panel’s recommendations have been forwarded to the State Civil Service Commission for approval.
Taofiq said, “The panel recommended various punishments ranging from dismissal, reduction in rank, and immediate termination of appointment.
“While 11 officers were found guilty of corrupt practices levied against them, only one officer was exonerated by the panel.
“The Acting General Manager also read the ‘Riot Acts’ to all Comptrollers, Commanders, and Zebras of the agency. He warned that stiffer and severe punishment would be meted out to corrupt Officers. This effort is to weed the agency of the few bad elements tarnishing its image.
“We hereby call on residents especially motoring public to support the Agency in the on-going restructuring by promptly reporting any errant Officers via any of the Agency’s complaints hotlines (08100565860, 08129928503, 08129928515 & 08129928597) with proof of evidence.”
He also stated that the general manager advised all agency officers to always carry out their duties without fear or favour in accordance with the stipulated laws guiding the authority, emphasising that any operative caught in the process of bringing the Agency or the government into disrepute would face the same consequences.
