Authorities of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority have arraigned 12 officials for corrupt practices and absenteeism.

The agency’s Public Relations Officer, Adebayo Taofiq, disclosed this in a statement made available to journalists on Friday.

According to the statement, While 11 officers were found guilty of the allegations brought against them, one officer was cleared by the disciplinary panel.

Taofiq quoted the agency’s acting General Manager, Bakare Oki, as saying that the panel suggested a number of sanctions, including immediate termination of appointment, rank reduction, and dismissal.

Bakare added that severe punishment will be meted out to officers who beat the law, adding that the public should desist from offering LASTMA officials bribes.

The statement partly reads, “Operatives of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority on Thursday, November 30, 2023, arraigned 12 officers before the disciplinary panel for various offenses bothering on corrupt practices and absenteeism in line with the extant rules as guided by the Lagos State Civil Service Rules and Regulations.

“Mr. Bakare Oki confirmed that the panel recommended various punishments ranging from dismissal, reduction in rank, and immediate termination of appointment from the State Public Service.

“The acting General Manager who was equally part of the disciplinary panel confirmed that while 11 officers were found guilty of corrupt practices leveled against them, only one officer was exonerated with the report of the panel.

“We hereby call on residents especially the motoring public to support the agency in the ongoing restructuring by promptly reporting any errant Officers via any of the agency’s complaints hotlines with proof of evidence.

“The General Manager hereby warned all officers of the agency to always carry out their duties without fear or favour by the stipulated laws guiding the authority as any operative caught in the process of bringing the Agency or the Government into disrepute shall equally face the consequence.

“While commending LASTMA officials for their dedication, dutifulness, diligence, and professionalism, Bakare Oki however, warned the motoring public to stop inducing traffic personnel with bribes to avoid being prosecuted as the law frowned on both the ‘giver and the receiver.” (The PUNCH)

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