Lagos Govt Speaks On Sanwo-Olu Banning LASTMA From Arresting Motorists

The Lagos State government has reacted to viral reports making rounds on social media which claimed Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu had directed the officials of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) to stop arresting erring motorists.

The state government said there is no truth in reports of such a directive emanating from Sanwo-Olu.

Naija News understands a viral social media flier which surfaced on some platforms, claimed Governor Sanwo-Olu had instructed LASTMA officials to stop arresting motorists but rather concentrate on managing traffic in the state.

It added that the Governor vowed to deal with LASTMA officials who disobey his fresh directive.

The flier read, “…Henceforth, no LASTMA officials should arrest any commercial or private motorist. The duty of LASTMA is to manage traffic and not to arrest anyone.

“I have heard a lot of complaints, and any official that violates the rule of his work will be severely dealt with.

“If at any time LASTMA officials make an attempt to arrest you or forcefully enter your car. Don’t argue with them, just allow them to enter and call these numbers: 08129928600 and 08129928550.”

However, responding to the viral message on Wednesday via a post on his X account, The Senior Special Assistant to Governor Sanwo-Olu on New Media, Jubril Gawat described the viral post as fake news.

He wrote: “Happy Anniversary to this LASTMA FAKE NEWS …. See you again NEXT YEAR, At least we will rest after 2027 😀😀😀😀

“I think this is the 2nd time this is trending this year sef.

“Double Anniversary niyen.”

Happy Anniversary to this LASTMA FAKE NEWS …. See you again NEXT YEAR, At least we will rest after 2027 😀😀😀😀

I think this is the 2nd time this is trending this year sef.

Double Anniversary niyen #FAKENEWSALERT 🚨 🚨 🚨 pic.twitter.com/Q2jxJghRx1

— Jubril A. Gawat (@Mr_JAGs) October 25, 2023