says open confrontation brought govt to public ridicule
The Chartered Institute of Transport Administration (CIOTA) has demanded a thorough investigation into the unfortunate confrontation between a soldier and officials of the Lagos State Traffic Management Agency (LASTMA) on the streets of Lagos.
The institute said such acts, which is not the first one in the state, deserves investigations by the state government in order to nip future occurrence in the bud.
President of the Institute, Prince Segun Obayendo, who made the call said the confrontation is an embarrassment to the state as the actions of both officers and their collaborators greatly brought the government to ridicule.
In a statement signed by CIOTA’s National Publicity Secretary, Mrs Chinwe Uwaegbute, the CIOTA Chief expressed deep concern about the incident, which occured on the streets of Lagos, saying such actions by the two institutions is unprofessional and uncalled for.
According to him, the unfortunate confrontation as captured by the media, further highlighted the need for renewed commitment by all stakeholders in the industry to advocate for professionalism, cooperation, and respect among all sectors of law enforcement and public service.
The President, said CIOTA, as an institute, acknowledge the importance of maintaining order and safety on our roads, as well as the critical roles that both the military and civilian traffic management personnel play in achieving these goals.
He said: “The incident in question has underscored the necessity for continuous training, communication, and collaboration among different law enforcement entities to ensure the safety of all citizens and the smooth functioning of our transport systems.”
CIOTA, he said, is demanding a thorough investigation of the unfortunate incident by both the military and LASTMA, and mete appropriate disciplinary actions, if warranted, against those involved in the altercation.
In light of this regrettable incident, CIOTA urges all law enforcement agencies and traffic management bodies to engage in cross-training Programmes that foster mutual understanding and cooperation by working together, sharing insights, and leveraging each other’s expertise.
“We can create an environment that upholds the principles of law, order, and public service while minimizing conflicts that can undermine the reputation of both organisations,” he added.
Furthermore, CIOTA invites community leaders, stakeholders, and policymakers to join in the effort to prevent such incidents in the future.
By promoting open dialogue, transparency, and a shared commitment to maintaining the integrity of our transport systems, we should ensure that the incident between the soldier and the LASTMA officer serves as a catalyst for positive change rather than a point of division.