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By Christopher Oji
The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) and the Nigerian Army have agreed to strengthen partnership on traffic management in Lagos.
This agreement was reached following a face-off between the personnel of the two agencies.
A viral video showing a LASTMA official beating a soldier with a stick recently, had prompted a reprisal by soldiers, who found the action as an insult to them. The reprisal by the soldiers forced LASTMA officials to desert their duty posts.
However, General Manager, LASTMA, Mr Bolaji Oreagba, said the two agencies have agreed to synergies in the area of traffic control. He made the disclosure during a visit by officials of the 9 Brigade Command of the Nigerian Army, led by Brigadier-General Adegoke Moses Adetuyi. Oreagba said it was a great honour receiving officials of the command at LASTMA Headquarters, Oshodi.
Speaking on the unfortunate face-off between a LASTMA officer and a soldier, Oreagba noted that there was no love lost between the two sister agencies, and that LASTMA personnel would continue to rely on the support of the Nigerian Army and other security agencies across the state.
He said: “We won’t abuse the relationship nor take the cordiality and warm friendliness, which have existed between the army and LASTMA for granted.”
He maintained that such occurrence would not repeat itself, as existing channels of communication would be maintained, while additional new hotlines would be explored by the two agencies to always resolve issues.
Earlier in his address, Commander, 9 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Adegoke Moses Adetuyi, noted that bad elements prosper when there is division among security agencies, hence the need for more cordial collaboration and maximum cooperation between all government agencies, including LASTMA.
While commending LASTMA officials for the wonderful work they were doing morning and night, Brigadier Adetuyi promised that the Nigerian Army, particularly the 9 Brigade Command, “would continue to render support, where necessary, to the activities of LASTMA on our roads, and ensure safety of traffic managers in the discharge of their statutory duties.”
Other army officials in attendance during the visit included Major A.A . Nasir (OC MP); Major A. Sanusi; Major A.A Onwuemene; Major A.K Ballo, and Lt. T.H Owoyemi.
Also, LASTMA officials included the Director, Operations, Mr. Peter Gbejemede; Provost Marshal, Mr. Apena Biliaminu; Head, Headquarters Operations (Rover), Mr. Adeoye James; Head, Training, Mr. Macaulay Modupe-Ore; Head, Police Unit, CSP Ajibola Abayomi, and Director, Public Affairs and Enlightenment, Adebayo Taofiq.
