BEVERLY HILLS, November 22, (THEWILL) – In the last few months, the security situation in Lagos has become very worrisome. Of grave concern is the spate of crime, made worse in recent times by the growing traffic gridlock. Though traffic logjam is not new to the state, the current seeming uncontrollable picture, accompanied by traffic robbery is giving residents and visitors a great cause for concern.
During the electioneering campaign, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode promised the people “a safer Lagos,” the current level of crime and chaotic traffic congestion is impeding on the ‘mega city’ status which the people aspire to accomplish.
In a recent interview, the governor admitted that there are indeed challenges in traffic management. This, he alluded to shortfall in the staff strength of Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA). According to Ambode, the traffic authority has a total of 2,100 staff, which he admitted was inadequate to effectively control the current traffic challenges.
In the face of this high crime wave and chaotic gridlock, we urge the governor to be sensitive to the peoples’ plight, by strengthening the performance of LASTMA, especially against the backdrop of his earlier directive that they should stop impounding vehicles. It would be recalled that the governor had asked them to adopt the ticketing option, a concept where traffic offenders are made to pay a fine.
Curiously, LASTMA officials are said to be unhappy with the decision. However, stakeholders have also identified bad roads, street hawking/trading, broken down vehicles and poor drainage system, as part of the factors militating against free traffic flow in the city. Interestingly, all these fall within the responsibility of the governor.
We therefore call on Ambode to wake up to his responsibility as the chief executive of the state, by declaring a state of emergency on traffic and the growing malady of traffic robbery. This becomes necessary now as motorists now live under fear of attacks by miscreants and armed robbers who rob them of their belongings in broad daylight. According to reports, areas where these sad incidents are predominant are Onikan, Festac Town, Apongbon, Mile 2, Ikorodu Road, Oshodi, Mushin, Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way, Maryland, Apapa, among others.
These hoodlums are said to be disguising as hawkers and passengers before pouncing on their victims. Recently, the state Rapid Response Squad (RRS) arrested three ex-convicts for traffic robbery in the notorious Oshodi area.
It is the duty of government to provide security to its citizens. While recognising that Lagos is a cosmopolitan state which comes with hydra-headed problems, the pro-activeness of a government in checking indiscipline and impatience of motorists goes a long way in addressing its crime and traffic challenges. The current culture of impunity on our roads is seen as a slide from what was achieved in the last few years.
We support the governor’s plan to acquire surveillance helicopters to monitor traffic but we want increased collaboration between the state, police and other security agents. No excuse is acceptable to the tax-paying residents as justification for the current crime wave and traffic challenges. Besides, the governor should improve on existing road networks. He should also consider constructing new flyovers as well as keeping traffic lights in working conditions. There is no sacrifice that is too much for the good people of Lagos State who voted for change.
