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Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, Chairman, Conference of Speakers
Members of the Lagos State House of Assembly on Tuesday warned the officers of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), Vehicle Inspection Service (VIS) and other law enforcement agencies to adhere strictly to extant laws in the discharge of their duties.
The Speaker of the House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, gave the warning sequel to adoption of report presented by the Ad Hoc Committee on Judiciary, Public Petitions, Human Rights and LASIEC, Chaired by Hon. Tunde Braimoh on a petition titled “The request for redress of wrongful destruction of our property and financial burden imposed on our client”, at the Plenary on Tuesday.
Obasa pointed out that such personnel include Traffic Police, Lagos State Traffic Management Agency (LASTMA), Vehicle Inspection Service (VIS), Task Force and others need to be enlightened on how to execute the traffic law in all cases while dealing with the public as contained in the petition presented.
According to Hon. Tunde Braimoh, it was observed in the report that the Task Force Officer unlawfully arrested the petitioner for parking on an illegal loading point that led to the forceful impoundment of the vehicle resulting to damages to another vehicle, whereas the petitioner was within appropriate parking space.
The Committee Chair further explained that the Committee was charged with the responsibility to determine the veracity of the allegations made and proffers solutions towards the issue as forwarded by the petitioner, which consequently led to the invitation of the bereaved parties.
He advised that the law enforcement personnel should employ utmost discretion in the interest of tranquility.
Members who spoke on the report commended the Committee for the diligence in resolving the matter amicably between the parties.
Hon. Rotimi Olowo remarked that the incident should serve as a deterrent to other operatives, adding that any erring officer should be sanctioned.
He therefore urged security personnel to desist from the deadly act of driving offenders’ vehicles, saying such impounded vehicles should be towed and taken to their office to face wrath of the law.
In the same vein, Hon. Rotimi Abiru and Hon. Setonji David in their contributions warned uniformed men to desist from dragging vehicles from motorists without recourse to the law.
They also expressed their concerns about personnel who act as if they were above the law once in uniform, advising that such officers must be dealt with.
Hon. Bisi Yusuff who was once a Chairman Committee on Transportation of the House explained that while some officers could be unruly, some motorists are also defiant when apprehended for contravening the traffic law.
He, therefore, advised that the public should submit themselves to the law enforcement agents when apprehended.
After much deliberations, recommendations of the report was adopted as a resolution of the House while Mr. Sanni Azeez, the Clerk of the House, was directed by the Speaker to communicate position of the House to all necessary agencies.
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