Traffic Management:LASTMA, Army to bolster alliance

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) and Officials of the Nigerian Army had agreed to brace up partnership on traffic management in Lagos.

Mr Bolaji Oreagba,General Manager of LASTMA made this known in a statement through the Director, Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of LASTMA Mr Taofik Adebayo, on Tuesday in Lagos.

Oreagba said they both agreed to firm up the collaboration when the officials of the 9 Brigade Command, Nigerian Army led by Brig.-Gen. Adegoke Adetuyi., paid a working visit to LASTMA headquarters.

The LASTMA boss, while receiving the military personnel, posted that it was a great honour receiving the Officials of the Command at LASTMA Headquarters at Oshodi.

Recall that video clips had gone viral on Monday showing some soldiers allegedly attack a LASTMA official after the traffic officer allegedly dragged a military personnel out of the front seat of a commercial bus.

The soldiers, on a revenge mission, allegedly beat the LASTMA official before leaving the scene.

Oreagba, spoked on the pitiable incident pertaining to the face-off between a LASTMA officer and a soldier.

He maintained that there was no love lost between the two sisters agencies adding that LASTMA personnel would continue to rely on continuous support from the Nigerian Army and other security agencies across the State.

According to him, We won't abuse the relationship nor take the cordiality and warm friendliness which has existed between the Army and LASTMA for granted.

He said that such occurrence would not repeat itself as existing channel of communication would be maintained and additional new hotlines be explored by the two agencies to always resolve issues.

Earlier in his address, the Commander of the 9 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Brid.- Gen. Adegoke Adetuyi, said that bad elements prosper when there was division among security agencies.

Adetuyi said that there was need for more cordial collaboration and maximum cooperation between all government agencies including LASTMA.

Brid.- Gen. commended LASTMA officials for the wonderful work they were doing in the morning and night.

Adetuyi promised that the Nigerian Army particularly the 9 Brigade Command, would continue to render support where necessary to activities of LASTMA on our roads

He promised to ensure safety of traffic managers in the discharge of their statutory duties.

Other Army Officials in attendance during the visit include Major A.A Nasir (OC MP), Major A. Sanusi, Major A.A Onwemene, Major A.K Ballo and LT T.H Owoyemi.

Also, LASTMA Officials include Director of Operation of Lastma Mr Peter Gbejemede, Provost Marshal Mr Apena Biliaminu, Head, Headquarters Operations (Rover) Mr Adeoye James, Head of Lastma Training ,Mr Macaulay Modupe-Ore, Head of Police Unit of LASTMA CSP Ajibola Abayomi, and Adebayo Taofiq, Director, Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of LASTMA.