CITIZENS COMPASS— The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) on Sunday, described as baseless the allegation of N10,000 extortion of commercial buses along the Coastal Road in the State.
An online platform had alleged that some LASTMA officers have been extorting motorists, especially commercial drivers in the axis making them part ways with N10,000 to escape arrests.
Irked by the online report, LASTMA General Manager, Mr Bakare Oki, set up a panel of inquiry into the allegation and on Sunday, the agency in a statement by its spokesperson, Adebayo Taofik, said: The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to deepening a constructive and mutually beneficial partnership with the media, while issuing a firm caution against the propagation of defamatory, unsubstantiated, and potentially misleading reports capable of eroding public confidence in government institutions.
The General Manager of LASTMA, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, made this known in the wake of the findings of an investigative panel constituted to meticulously examine allegations published by an online platform, which accused operatives of the Authority of extorting the sum of N100,000 from commercial bus operators along the Coastal Road corridor.
Elucidating the outcome of the inquiry, Bakare-Oki disclosed that the panel’s findings unequivocally established that the vehicles in question were apprehended for wilful obstruction, in contravention of extant traffic regulations. He further affirmed that all penalties imposed were legitimately remitted into government coffers, with incontrovertible evidence of payment tendered by the affected drivers during their appearances before the panel. These findings, he emphasised, decisively debunk the allegations of extortion.
The General Manager underscored the pivotal role of the media in advancing public enlightenment, reinforcing traffic discipline, and promoting civic responsibility, describing the press as an indispensable institution in shaping informed public discourse and sustaining democratic ideals.
He, however, stressed that such a critical mandate must be discharged with the utmost professionalism, accuracy, and strict adherence to established ethical standards. While acknowledging the legitimacy of constructive criticism within a democratic framework, Bakare-Oki cautioned against the dissemination of misleading information and preserving the integrity of public communication.
Reaffirming LASTMA’s openness to sustained engagement, the General Manager assured that the Authority remains transparent, accessible, and responsive through its official communication channels for prompt verification and clarification. He also highlighted the availability of a toll-free hotline (080000527862) alongside a dedicated Physical Complaints Unit (PCU), through which members of the public can lodge complaints, seek clarification, and verify incidents.
The Authority called on relevant media stakeholders to uphold the sanctity of the journalism profession by ensuring accuracy, balance, and responsibility in reportage, thereby safeguarding the public space from misinformation and preserving societal trust.
