CITING ambiguity, the Lagos State chapter of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has chided the state government on the newly-enacted traffic law in the state.Meanwhile, ahead of the enforcement of the new traffic law, Lagos State Transport Management Authority (LASTMA) has commenced an enlightenment exercise over the edict, just as it warned its official against graft.In a statement signed by the party's Publicity Secretary, Taofik Gani, the PDP faulted the government's decision to hide the holistic provisions of the law from the public, thereby making it difficult for any thorough analysis of the said edict.The PDP described lack of clarity as typical of Governor Babatunde Fashola's administration whenever it wants to be 'mischievous or lack moral confidence.'Yes, we have heard about a traffic law, but nobody can claim a copy of the whole provisions. Even the media is relying only on the presentations made during the signing of the law. Now, there is controversy on the commencement date. While the Commissioner for Transportation said the law would take effect later, his Attorney General counterpart said it begins immediately.He added: 'Lagos State residents are just pushed around and confused by the antics of Fashola's administration. They are taken for granted by all these obnoxious and unfriendly laws and we wonder whether the Lagos State House of Assembly has not become a puppet of the governor.The PDP noted that the fines were too exorbitant and could not be to deter offenders but to actually raise the Lagos State Transport Management Agency (LASTMA) revenue target.The LASTMA General Manager, Babatunde Edu, while speaking at an interactive session with the traffic officials at the LASTMA Headquarters, Ilupeju, Lagos, implored traffic officials to shun bribery, corruption and avoid over-zealousness in the discharge oftheir duties in the cause of enforcing the new law or face the wrath of law.He further warned that the government would not hesitate to bring to book any of the personnel found to have engaged in act of illegalities that could tarnish the image of the state government.According to him, officers found wanting would be shown the way out and face possible prosecution for such unlawfulacts.Edu further advisedpersonnel to be alive to their responsibilities and ensure they contributed their quota towards free-flow of traffic at all times in order to reduce traffic congestion in the state.He implored motorists and residents of the state to cooperate with LASTMA officials and see the traffic personnel as officers who are committed to service.He advised the public to always take note of the written names on the uniform of any erring LASTMA official, the time and place where the offence was committed in order to assist the government in its investigation.Edu assured the public that such reports would be well investigated, noting that complaints could be forwarded to the LASTMA Command Centre or any offended citizen could text or call this GSM number: 08023386921 or mail the agency at info@lastmalagos.com.
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