By Cliffsimeon Akalonu
GENERAL Manager, Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), Olajide Oduyoye, has reiterated that the Agency have the power to ensure that Lagosians comply with all directives issued by the State government to enhance public safety.
Oduyoye made this known while refuting claims that his officers have no power to enforce directives such as the compulsory use of face mask in public places, frequent washing of hands, use of hand sanitiser, physical distancing, and 60% passenger carrying capacity in public transport vehicles, among others.
He emphasised that LASTMA, being one of the enforcement agencies of the state government, has the authority to ensure adherence to the transportation rules guiding the partial lifting of the lockdown directive in the state.
Declaring that the Lagos State Government had proactively embarked on some programmes, instituted necessary measures and made pronouncements as part of efforts to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, Oduyoye emphasised the need to ensure that residents adhere to these rules to complement the government’s efforts.
He noted that it is only a healthy person that can conveniently get involved in economic activities, stressing that the primary aim of the present administration in issuing the safety directives was to protect the wellbeing and welfare of the people.
He, therefore, enjoined the general public to strictly comply with the directive on face mask usage while in public and abide by other directives, as anyone who disobeys should be prepared for the consequences of such disobedience.