- Governor’s directive does not invalidate lockdown
All vehicles seized by the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) which were ordered released by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu will only be released after the lockdown exercise, the Commissioner for Information and Strategy Gbenga Omotoso said on Wednesday.
The governor has ordered immediate release of all vehicles seized by LASTMA as part of the new palliatives to help cushion the effect of the extended lockdown order by President Muhammadu Buhari last Monday.
Omotoso in a statement signed on Wednesday said all those concerned would have to wait till after the lockdown before collecting the vehicles.
The Commisioner said they are not expected to visit the offices of LASTMA, VIS and Task Force for the release of their impounded vehicles until the lockdown order is lifted by the Federal Government.
“Please stay at home and ensure social distancing as well as regular washing of hands with soap and running water to prevent further spread of the Coronavirus disease,” he said.
The clarification, Omotoso said was necessary following the invasion of the offices of LASTMA, VIS and Taskforce by the concerned motorists.
“The attention of the Lagos State Government has been drawn to visits by motorists to the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), Vehicle Inspection Services (VIS) and Task Force offices for the release of their impounded vehicles as directed by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.”
According to him, the Governor’s directive does not invalidate the lockdown as imposed by the Federal Government.